Hopelessly Hopeful

My name is Dana and I have a chronic illness.
There I said it. No more denial for me.
The first step is acceptance, right?

Its a part of me that I cannot deny. Yet it is a part of me that I try desperately to not let define me. I find my identity elsewhere.

I have gone through many phases of life and sickness. Coping with the sickness (or anything difficult in your life) is sometimes the hardest task. The physical pain or sickness is really the easiest part. I have yet to get this whole coping thing right. My coping tactics are constantly changing. I have gone through phases of expressing myself through poetry and journaling. I go through phases of strong reliance on my religious faith and God. And also phases of hatred toward a God that could do this to me. I have gone through times of depression. I have seen several counselors. I battle eating disorders (handling my anxiety in the wrong way..). Sometimes I pretend I have everything under control and that I am some kind of hero. I have even tried completely ignoring the fact that I am sick. Um. yeah, that didn't work out very well. Like I said, not all of my coping strategies have been helpful or healthy. Its all about learning from mistakes and figuring out what works best for you. I think. I am young and still learning...

Finding balance in all areas has been key for me lately. So...what does balance mean?? How the heck should I know? I am trying to just live healthy and not stress about what that means. I don't need MORE stress.

I hope sharing my experiences help you support someone you love or learn to cope with something yourself.

Through it all, I remain hopelessly hopeful!