When it comes to having chronic illnesses such as chronic hip pain due to my cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects mostly in the left side of my body. Life can get pretty hectic, sometimes it mixes that in with having the diagnosis of depression and anxiety.
People always ask me what gets me through it. What helps you when you can’t control your body? And you can’t control what it’s doing, although you’re a writer and you love to write, but when you can’t control the days where your chronic illness makes you feel defeated. What do you do when you feel trapped in your body, because you’re in so much pain that you can’t write? How do you cope with that?
Coping When You Can’t Control Your Body
Well ever since I was 13 years old, I have been a huge fan of country music, because it tells a story of someone’s life. It takes you to a whole different world. A world where my mind could escape from the reality I’m facing at the moment, when having these episodes where I feel like I can’t control my body.

One of the country stars that help me cope is Blake Shelton. Every time I feel like I’m losing control of the situation, because of my chronic pain and Cerebral Palsy, I play his first album. I listen to the words of the song Austin it claims me down and relaxes my body.
Blake Shelton also has a gift of telling a story in such a powerful way that makes the story seem real. It makes me feel like I’m living in that storyline as the songs play.
I hear the voice of Blake Shelton, and it brings me out of my reality for just those few moments where I feel like a monster has taken over my body and it’s winning my battle against chronic pain. Plus, all of my other issues that I have to face in my everyday life.

Peace of Mind Through Music
With my condition, Blake Shelton gives me peace of mind that along the lines of my crazy hectic life with Cerebral Palsy and chronic illnesses that I am strong and I can make it through anything.
Hopefully, one day, he’ll be singing one of the country songs that I wrote for him. Since I have dreams of becoming a songwriter one day and I’m currently going to school for creative writing for entertainment, I’m working towards my goals and dreams so that the story of my journey can be told with the words I write.

Tylia Flores is a 24-year-old born with cerebral palsy. Although her condition has affected her mobility, it has never affected her will and determination to make a difference in the world. Through her many life challenges and obstacles, she discovered her passion for writing. Tylia’s goal in life is to share her stories with the world.