Thanksgiving… roots in the beginning of being thankful for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.
Being Thankful…. Conscious of benefit received – for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful. Expressive of thanks – thankful service. Well pleased – glad – was thankful that it didn’t rain.
This year – there are so many things to be thankful for, so many life changes that I have embarked on. This morning as I was doing my morning cardio (yes – 2 a days to get some cardio in) it occurred to me that I am thankful for my diagnosis.
I am thankful for my Lupus.
Why? Let me tell you…
I have always been a strong person with a strong personality. I have seen childhood trauma, parental death, cheating fiancée’s (not James of course)… in other words I have lived a life! In all of these I have come back stronger, more determined, and more empowered.
I have survived.
These are things that I have overcome, but they are hard to share – hard to empower others.
My Lupus diagnosis, at first was in this category. It was something I was learning to live with, but hiding; silently overcoming.
Then about a year and ½ ish ago I came out of hiding. Sharing what I was going through – the good and the bad. Lupus sucks, and it is something that I will have to deal with the rest of my life; from the chronic pain – to the flares that shut down leftie – to the inflammation that is destroying my joints – to the getting sick if someone sick looks in my direction.
Getting to share my story. Showing that I live a normal life. That I get through the chronic pain and chronic fatigue without being medicated, through using my workouts and natural remedies.
I am thankful that I get to share my Lupus story and help others who suffer see that, though the diagnosis changes your life – it doesn’t have to destroy you. There is life after Lupus. There is life after chronic pain and chronic fatigue. There is a learning curve, but sharing how I work with mine helps me – getting the messages that I’ve helped someone changes me.
The outpour of messages that I have received that I empower someone, inspire someone and motivate someone are what make my sharing worth it. I know I have been MIA for a bit as I was focused on planning our wedding, but I am back and ready to share away again!
Thanks for reading and inspiring me, as well.
JJ Nips.