Daily Inspiration: Meet Jessica Willmorth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Willmorth.

Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The past five years of my life were the most challenging emotionally, physically and mentally. At the age of 26, I was diagnosed with chronic multiple tick-borne illness, better known as Chronic Lyme Disease along with Mold Toxicity. At the time of diagnosis, I had just earned my degree in Construction Management and was working as a Project Manager for a Commercial Contractor, the dream career that I had worked so hard to achieve. As I navigated my first year of treatment, my symptoms became worse as they tend to do with this illness and I came to the harsh realization that I could not heal from it while working my current position, so I decided to walk away completely to focus solely on my health.

I could barely get out of bed, barely eat, I lost my home (due to toxic mold), my relationship with my significant other, my friends, and all of my money had gone to treatment. I moved back in with my parents this same year because I was unable to take care of myself. Though I could barely do basic day-to-day activities, I knew I needed to figure out something to bring money in to continue treatment so I started to share my journey with Chronic Lyme publicly on my Instagram platform. Sharing my story was the most powerful, yet terrifying, decision I made. I started to connect with a whole community of others who were also suffering from Chronic Lyme and being able to help others who were in my same position really lit a fire under me to keep fighting my own fight. It also brought me a few influencer gigs that helped me get by financially. Once I was healthy enough to return to an in-office position, I found a receptionist position with a Naturopathic Clinic where I also received treatment. I never went back to my construction job and I still miss it to this day, but what I have learned is that my health is my greatest wealth and that type of position was not one where I could maintain my health in the way I needed.

Fast forward to now, five years after diagnosis, and though my health will always be up and down, I was able to move by myself across the country to Phoenix, to get a fresh start on life. I never expected to be starting over at the age of 30, but as hard as the past few years were, it was the greatest lesson and has allowed me to become a much better version of myself.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
I wouldn’t say my journey has been smooth. Over the past few years there were many times I considered giving up. My heart goes out to anyone battling chronic illness, especially Chronic Lyme, and I would never wish it on my worst enemy.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I still share my journey with Lyme on social media but I also work remotely as the Executive Assistant & Creative Director for a Social Work Organization. Alongside my remote job, I also host my own podcast, Social Soul Podcast, and do graphic design.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Advice for those newly diagnosed with chronic illness: be patient with yourself, and don’t compare your experience/journey to everyone else. Your body is different, and healing takes time, find friends in people who can relate to what you are going through. Professional advice for those newly diagnosed with chronic illness: You can find a job that allows you the time to take care of yourself in the way you need. Some employers will understand and keep searching for good ones.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingjess_/