[probably having a nap]
hey pals,
I’m Ethan! 👋
I’m a Glasgow based powerlifter, miniature painter, and blogger/creator, living with ME/CFS. Topics that I write about include chronic illness/disability, planning and organisation, skincare/health/wellbeing, clothing/fashion for shorter men, and LGBT+ rights/equality.
I have a fondness for highland cows, and houseplants. I probably use too many emojis and GIFs, and I am terrible at replying to texts – it is either instant, or 7-10 working days…
🙋♂️ who I am
my name is Ethan
After struggling for over a decade, I was diagnosed with ME/CFS. I manage it with mindful pacing, listening to my body, and learning to be better at saying no.
I sleep, quite a lot. I walk with a crutch more often. I find my brain processes slower, and my senses are quickly overwhelmed. I have to make decisions daily around where I can and can’t expend my energy. But I am constantly learning how to get the best out of life, whilst living with this debilitating chronic illness.
Sure, it is not easy and some days I flare up and can’t do things. But, finding this balance means that I am mostly still able to work and volunteer, to train in powerlifting, to paint miniatures, and to be creative. I share my experiences online as ChronicallyEthan: putting the me in ME.
my story so far
I am a child of the 90s, born and raised in the suburbs of Glasgow, with a fondness for highland cows, houseplants, classic men’s tailoring, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Professionally, I have a background in health an social care, particularly in supporting children and young people, although I originally qualified as a Biomedical Scientist. If you want to connect professionally, you’ll find me on LinkedIn.
My career plans have been thrown a curveball, and as I take the time to re-evaluate and navigate what that now looks like, I am also letting myself explore things that I enjoy, because I enjoy them.
I first began blogging and creating content when I was a teenager, and have grown up through various microblogs and sites. In the past I have created content around mental health, student life, and LGBT+ and trans rights and equality. Some of my work has been featured by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, mental health charities, and in two TV documentaries with Channel 4, and BBC Three.
Now, whilst I still create content around these areas, I also more broadly cover lifestyle and topics that resonate with me. This includes planning and organisation, fashion and style for the short(er) man, skincare, health, and wellbeing.
You can read my full story here, if you want to.
I have been featured by
💁♂️ what I do
choose an Ethan to learn about
🏋️♂️ Ethan the Powerlifter
I am not a sporty person, but lifting heavy circles up and putting them down again, brings me immense joy. My aspiration is to be a competitive powerlifter, and one day maybe even represent Scotland.
🧝♂️ Ethan the Mini Painter
At the age of ~14ish, I first discovered the joy of painting tiny plastic models. This remains my favourite hobby. I mostly paint miniatures from the Middle-earth range, but also fantasy and sci-fi elves too.
💡 Ethan the Creator
Content wise, I write on my blog, ramble on my socials, and film for my YouTube. But I also draw, create Notion templates, attempt to write a novel series, and digitally design fun and useful things.
👨💻 get in touch
it’s nice to say hello
If you want to contact me professionally, you can reach me through LinkedIn; and if you want to contact me creatively, your best option will be to message me on Instagram.
📲 let’s be sociable