I’m not giving up, but …

I'm not giving up. I'm not a quitter. It's not really in my nature. But for the first 20 years of this chronic illness, I spent a good portion of my time trying to find ways to be healed. Or spending time being depressed because I wasn't. I don't think I'd ever really thought about...

Please don’t come visit me at home

My home is my sanctuary. That's probably true for a lot of people. But for me, with a chronic pain illness, it's the one place I can breathe and just be me. I don't have to smile or fake how I'm feeling or live up to anyone's expectations. I would guess others with invisible illnesses...

Why I no longer volunteer

What's really happening ... is not always obvious on the surface. I was recently asked to volunteer for something, and when I declined, I quickly felt the judgmental stares and gossiping whispers from the group directed toward me. I don't volunteer anymore. At least not in the way most people want me to. I don't...

‘Even the darkest night will end’

  Note: originally written in September 2015. My mental health has taken a beating over the last year or so. I have a physical illness that has really been taking it to me, and as a result, affecting my mental health. I’ve been battling this physical ailment for half of my life. What makes it...