by Emily Suñez

Overcome the emotional toll of chronic or invisible illness with 50 positive affirmations, writing prompts, and soothing illustrations inspired by nature

This gorgeously illustrated volume offers guided journaling to a community that stands to benefit immensely: those living with chronic illness. Author and illustrator Emily Suñez—herself a chronic illness patient with multiple diagnoses—speaks from experience through 50 affirmations and over 100 writing prompts that will both console readers and empower them to:

• cultivate self-compassion and chart their own course to inner healing
• develop the self-care strategies best suited to their illness
• advocate for themselves with doctors, family, friends, and coworkers
• unlock the emotional benefits of mindfulness and positive psychology
• spot patterns related to their symptoms and manage them better

Throughout, Emily’s bold, botanical illustrations underscore her message of hope and resilience. This is the perfect gift for a loved one in need—or yourself.

“Emily Suñez has created a wonderful tool for people living with illness. Her writing prompts are designed to provoke thought, emotion, and strategy for living one’s best life. Her illustrations—paired with positive affirmations—are lovely and make the book feel like a safe, sacred place for the diarist to explore the ins and outs of chronic illness.”—Katie Willard Virant, JD, MSW, LCSW

“A very informative and empathetic treatise that is useful for all lupus patients.”—Daniel J. Wallace, MD, Associate Director of the Rheumatology Fellowship Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Professor of Medicine at UCLA

“The Healing Journal gives chronic illness patients the opportunity to take control of their illness rather than let the illness take over their selves, creating a sense of empowerment.”—Christine H Lee, MD, MPH, rheumatologist

“The Healing Journal reminds us that having a chronic illness requires patience, self-compassion, and self-kindness. It invites the reader to look at what they are going through with an open heart and offers opportunities for new perspectives on chronic disease and health.”—Nancee B. Jaffe, MS, RD, chief dietician at UCLA’s Division of Digestive Diseases

“The Healing Journal is a wonderful resource designed to support you through the tough days and acknowledge the positives on the better days. . . . This beautiful journal just may help you find your way to a healthier outlook as it puts you on a clear path to healing.”—Rebecca Moshay, CRPS support group leader and patient

“The Healing Journal is a beautifully illustrated guide that allows the reader to pause and verbalize their condition, bringing order to an otherwise chaotic process. As a health professional, my patients benefit best from acceptance of their illness and embracing mindfulness.”—Dr. Kristal Young, Southern California Heart Specialists, Huntington Memorial Hospital