My one only Resolution for the new year...I hope you will Join me

The New Year always brings about the resolutions that people keep for a few days and then forget all about them until the next New Year.  We have heard them all:

• I am quitting smoking
• I am going on a diet
• I am going to exercise
• I am giving up sweets
• I am going to be a better driver
• The list goes on and on

Yet, what happens to someone that suffers from silent illnesses.  Many already have lost so much that there isn't that much to give up.  If you are on feeding tubes how are you going to go on a diet.  Since you are on a permanent one.  If your physician has taken away your ability to drive how can you become a better driver.  If your body is in tons of pain how are you gong to exercise more.  

No wonder we get frustrated.  We here all kinds of people wanting to stop things that we wish we could do.  I know there has been a time or two in frustration that I have said why don't you live like me for a month.  Then you will appreciate what you can do.  

This year I am making a new resolution.  One that I hope those out there fighting can join me in.  I am going to quit being mad at my body.  Now there is a hard one to swallow.  If you are sick and tired don't you want to yell at your own body for putting you in this shape.  I know that many of us have asked that golden question WHY ME.

I will tell you that if you have a silent illness.  One that has taken things away that you wish you could do.  It has proven how strong a person you are.  My friends a family look up to me because they can't imagine living with these illnesses and still wanting to fight.  I am stronger because my body is weaker.

So how many will join me.  Time to quit yelling and despising our bodies because we are sick.  It is time to love ourselves for what we can do and not be mad about what we cant do.  We all would rather be able to do what we use to do.  Yet, looking at what you can do will change your perspective on life. Letting go of the anger is a big part of starting to fight.  Stop worrying about the things you use to do and start concentrating on what you can do.  

Then next year when someone asked if you lived your resolution you can proudly say yes.  Then tell them you are going to do the same one this year.  Be a role model for yourself.  Do what you can do and let the things you use to do slip out of your mind.

For my fellow fighters keep on fighting and remember one day they will figure this out and we will have won.  Until then don't give up hope.  It is okay to rest on bad days,  but on the good days enjoy life to your fullest because you deserve it.    

There is so much more and remember this is something that I live with and am writing from my perspective.  Talk to a doctor if you feel you may have this or any other disease because without proper diagnosis you will never get the treatment you deserve. 

Reclaiming the Holiday Season

For many of us we are days away from one of the most important holidays of our year.  A time when we celebrate family, friends, and for many the birth of Jesus.  Yet, for us that have been sick for along time we do not find joy in the Christmas season.  We begin thinking of all the things we use to be able to do and what has been stripped by our illness.

We can reclaim Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and many other Holidays.  we can do this in a few easy steps.  Remember reclaiming these important days will benefit your life.  It will let you go back to a sense of normalcy.  The fact is that when you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy something that you use to you will fill much better.

1. Let your friends and family know that it isn't a day that is important rather the reason for the celebration.  By doing this you can pick and choose when to celebrate the day when  you are feeling well.
2. On the big day don't over do it.  When you are tired rest.  When you feel good join everyone.  Remind your friends and family that you will enjoy and be able to participate more if you can do it based on your strength.
3. Let others in the group do the big planning.  This can make you just as tired as actually being there for the holiday.  Rest up for the big day so you can still enjoy.
4. Lastly, if the big day comes and you do not feel good don't be upset.  Do what you can and you will find that you still have saved the day.

For my fellow fighters keep on fighting and remember one day they will figure this out and we will have won.  Until then don't give up hope.  It is okay to rest on bad days,  but on the good days enjoy life to your fullest because you deserve it.    

There is so much more and remember this is something that I live with and am writing from my perspective.  Talk to a doctor if you feel you may have this or any other disease because without proper diagnosis you will never get the treatment you deserve. 

One of the Many Reasons we Can't STOP Fighting

We are once again reminded why we have to keep fighting.  When a 16 year old has to undergo suffering and then passes away we have no choice but to fight.  I do not want any of us to have to face that end.  Yet, we have to fight harder to ensure people listen that can make a difference.  We have to stay united because we can reach those that can grant money and help find a cure.

I know for me I tell as many people as I can about what makes me sick.  They need to know that they often see me at my best.  Which is not the same as last year, or yesterday.  Yet, the more people that we share what the illnesses do to our bodies the more support we will have.

I know that we all face hard days.  Days where the pain, nausea, dizziness and everything else is making it impossible for us to keep going forward.  Yet, we have to be grateful that we are alive.  We must remember that is a gift that we are given.  A hope that today is the day that they find a cure.  The hope that today no one else has to suffer.  The hope that today is the last day that anyone has to pass away because of physicians lack of knowledge.

As you read this I want you to know that you are one of my reasons that I cant stop fighting.  I pray for each of those that are effected by these silent illnesses each day.  I pray for the families that have to watch their family members suffer.  Let us remember to stay united so that we can one day we can say we have conquered these illnesses. So know one will have to suffer in silence and we have found the cure that we all need to live life to its fullest

For my fellow fighters keep on fighting and remember one day they will figure this out and we will have won.  Until then don't give up hope.  It is okay to rest on bad days,  but on the good days enjoy life to your fullest because you deserve it.    

There is so much more and remember this is something that I live with and am writing from my perspective.  Talk to a doctor if you feel you may have this or any other disease because without proper diagnosis you will never get the treatment you deserve.