January 14: Journaling as Therapy

This is Scary by Forever Joy
Rough Times by Sahlin Studios
Messy Life by Elif Sahin Designs

Journaling:
An invisible disease is maybe one of the most challenging things I've had to deal with in my life. It takes longer to get well when I am sick because my immune system can't fight things off like others, and others don't understand why I can't just bounce back after having a virus or something else. I can't eat things others can because certain foods will trigger me feeling ill. I can't do things I used to do because I'm so fatigued and run down all the time. It's hard to explain to people that when I do something that wears my body down, I will have to sleep for a day or two afterwards. With an invisible disease, people don't know I'm sick, so when moments like last week at church happen (dizzy and almost passing out at communion), the questions by people I know are meant well, but I just want to say "it's perfectly normal, look elsewhere...". I don't know that I'd choose to wear a sign that says "Invisible Disease Being Lived Right Here", but I do wish people understood more that there are people who look well, but aren't.

The number one thing living with an invisible disability has taught me is that I'm not the only one. I don't take second glances at those parking in handicapped spots that might look "normal". If they have the placard, they have the placard. I don't look at people who are using walkers or canes that look healthy other than to see if maybe I want to ask them where they got it! I also have tried to teach my kids these same things. No one knows what someone is living through. No one wants to hear the comments "why is she...." I'm guessing in my future the disease will become "not so invisible", but in the meantime, I'll remain that "invisible" gal.