Mindset & Growth

Choosing Joy: A Conversation with Katey of @theVioletFog on Life with Chronic Illness

November 6, 2024

Let’s keep choosing joy, even on the hard days.

You guys, I am so excited to share this special interview with Katey of @TheVioletFog. She has bravely opened up about her journey with Hashimoto’s disease and a non-cancerous pituitary tumor, and let me tell you—her words are pure inspiration. If you’ve ever faced health challenges (or just life challenges), her story will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and ready to keep moving forward.

✨Let’s dive in!✨

When the Diagnosis Hits Hard

Katey was 32 when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and, soon after, learned she had a pituitary tumor. She described those early days as a whirlwind of chronic fatigue, brain fog, and hair loss.

“At first, I was absolutely devastated,” she admits. “The first year was really tough—I felt almost numb. But I leaned on God, and over time, my spirit started to brighten. God heals. Even though I still live with these illnesses, I feel equipped and strong. I’ve made so much progress, and I know I can keep going.”

A Peek into Katey’s Wellness Routine

Curious about how Katey keeps things balanced? She admits that managing chronic illness means putting extra effort into self-care and wellness practices, but her routine is packed with things that keep her grounded.

“I don’t really see myself as an influencer,” she says, “but sharing my thoughts, research, and connecting with people gives me a sense of purpose.”

Here’s a glimpse of Katey’s go-to wellness habits:

  • Hydrating and eating foods that support her epigenetics.
  • Getting 8-9 hours of sleep every night (goals, right?).
  • Supplements, red light therapy, and lymphatic massage—yes, she’s all about that recovery life.
  • Acupuncture, especially to help with bladder issues.
  • And most importantly—deep prayer and time with loved ones.

Faith as Mental Health Medicine

When I asked Katey how she supports her mental well-being, she didn’t hesitate:

“Prayer is my number one thing.”

“Jesus invites us to lay our worries at His feet, but I’m not going to lie—it’s easier said than done because I like to be in control,” she laughs. “But every time I give my burdens to Him, I feel lighter. It’s amazing what happens when you let go and trust.”

Katey also finds inspiration from other people and incorporates deep breathing into her daily routine. But for her, nothing compares to the peace she finds in prayer.

How She Stays Compassionate (Without Wallowing)

Katey keeps it real when it comes to tough days:

“It’s okay to wallow sometimes, but it’s not okay to stay there.”

“If I let sadness and frustration take over, my entire life would feel that way. But when I choose joy—even when it’s hard—I start to feel more joy in my life. It’s tough, but it’s always worth it.”

Mindset Tips for the Healing Journey

If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m a huge advocate for mindset shifts in healing. When I asked Katey for her thoughts on mindset, her answer was beautifully simple:

“Rely on Jesus.”

“He’s waiting to hear from you, and He knows what you’re going through. With Him, you can be totally real because He already knows your struggles. You can heal. It’s possible. Just go pray.”

Final Thoughts

Katey’s story is a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t always about fixing everything—it’s about learning to live fully, even with the challenges. Through faith, self-care, and a lot of love, she shows us that progress is possible, one day at a time.

If you’re walking through a tough season right now, know this: you’re not alone, and you can heal too

Let’s keep choosing joy, even on the hard days.

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I'm Michon, your new get-a-grip friend.

Hi, I’m Michon Covington—a wife, mom, CFO, MBA, recovering Type A, and seeker of healing. I’ve walked through hell and discovered that shifting my mindset let the magic of healing in. Now, I’m here to share the tools and insights that brought me peace, so you can find yours too. Let’s heal and grow together.

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Struggling to find joy in tough times? Check out my conversation with Katey from @theVioletFog as she opens up about living with chronic illness and shares her secrets to choosing joy, no matter the challenge!

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