Simple Lessons to Learn if you have a Silent Illness

1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE...  We often think that we are the only one's suffering.  Because even we cannot see those around us suffering in silence.  Our illnesses are hidden well inside our body.  Yet, if you take the time to get to know people you will soon find that a lot of people are just like you.  
2. DON'T BE MAD AT YOUR BODY... Now your probably saying how can she dare say this.  But it is true.  If you get mad at your body the next thing that happens is usually a flare up.  
3. DON'T BE SHOCKED IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE SILENT ILLNESS...  Most of us have multiple illnesses that we deal with daily.  Some have caused the illness we have now. Others are just out of the blue illnesses.  
4. THINK POSITIVE... Each and everyday try to think of something to be positive about.  There is a reason that you are still here on Earth.  So find the positive in situations and your whole attitude can change.
5. DON'T HIDE FROM YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY... It is easy to just stay home and not be around others.  We don't want people to worry about us.  We don't want people to try to fix us.  So we stay barricade in our homes to hide.  Instead enjoy others company and let their thoughts and concerns be their own.  You can't fix them just like they can't fix you.
6. SPREAD AWARENESS...  It is important to share with those that you meet about the illnesses that you are going through.  Now this doesn't mean that this should be the only topic of your conversation.  When the time comes and the questions start.  Give them the best answers and you will see that you can change people's feelings about your illness.
7. BE PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS...  Another subject that is hard to deal with.  We are so concerned about just trying to get our body to keep working that we forget about the things that we have done in life.  We need to be proud of both the big and little things that we accomplish today.  It might not be a historically changing accomplishment , but if you are reading this then you woke up.  That in itself is a great accomplishment.  
8. CHERISH EACH AND EVERY DAY...  Everyday that you wake up is a new day to see the beauty around you.  If you feel so bad that you can't go outside and enjoy it there are simple things that you can do.  Open your blinds let the light come through.  Call someone just to say hi. read that book that you have been waiting to do.  Today is a day that you can do anything that your mind lets you do.
9. NEVER EVER GIVE UP FIGHTING...  I know you are like me and there are days you wish you could just turn in the towel.  Enough is enough.  For me out want to stop the spinning and the nausea.  Thinking it would be better to just stop.  Yet, deep down inside I am still wanting to fight. That tiny spark keeps me going.  Find your spark and you can make it one more day.
10. HELP FIND A CURE...  You might already be doing this in some way or the other.  It is very important that you do this daily.  Things that people thought would never have a cure have.  So why give up hope.  If possible join studies and maybe something that they learn from you will lead to the answer.  Help support causes that are trying to find cures.  

So there you have it ten simple steps to help get you through the fight of a silent illness.  You might have been hoping for more.  Yet, learning to accept and move forward with your illness is the first and most important step.  Don't let your illness drive your life.  Instead drive your life and put the illness in the passenger seat.

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.