This was the exact moment I realized I had fully accepted my chronic illness.
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Probably more so than I ever even knew. Because when I sat there on that blind date and was asked, "so, what types of things can you do?
I also realized that I had complete confidence in my illness because I blurted back "uhmmm, well what can't I do?". In retrospect, it was slightly cocky, yes. But we can just agree that he wasn't meant for me and I was over it, ok?
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The point is: your illness does not define you, it does not define what you do, and it is not your job to make up for it or make others feel comfortable with it.
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Yes, I fully believe in transparency and open communication to help educate and create a closer bond.
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But hear me when I say: it is your story to tell and just because you have it to tell does not make you any less worthy or valuable to any friendship or relationship out there.
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So, I don't want to run 50 miles with you on a Saturday? Great. I wouldn't want to do it even if I didn't have Fibro and CFS. Big whoop.
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I’ll tell you the same thing I told him: Having a chronic illness isn’t the problem, it’s a gift. Whether you take it for what it is, is up to you.