Walk In The Rain With Me: September 2014

5 Skinny-Girl Myths: Debunked!

Thursday, September 25, 2014

"If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher!" -Debbie Macomber, Mrs. Miracle

Let me just get this out of the way- there are a lot of misconceptions about being skinny.

And as a skinny-girl myself, I feel like it's time to set the record straight. So here you go!

5 Skinny-Girl Myths: Debunked!

Myth: All skinny-girls are anorexic.

Fact: There are many different reasons a girl might be skinny. Yes, anorexia is one of them. But it's definitely not the only one. For instance, problems like IBD, Celiac, or some other food insensitivity can cause weight loss or problems gaining weight in the first place. And believe it or not, some of us are just born like that.

Myth: "I wish I had those problems..."

Fact: Skinny-girl problems aren't better or worse than your problems. Just different. When I mention having issues with my pants being too big around the waist or not having enough... stuff to fill up my shirt, people often say something to the effect of "Well, I wish I had those problems." The truth is, if you had those problems your entire life, you probably wouldn't wish for them anymore. Just because my problems seem smaller than yours doesn't they're better nor worse. Just different. No one's life is perfect.

Myth: Skinny-girls don't eat.

Fact: Lots of skinny-girls have a high metabolism, which means they can pack away a lot more than they look like. Until you've actually seen a girl eat when she's hungry, you have no idea how much it takes to make her full.

Myth: All clothes look good on us.

Fact: No one looks good in everything. Not even someone in a size zero. And in all honesty, it can be hard to find clothes that fit properly.

Myth: Skinny-girls don't (or shouldn't) have body-image issues

Fact: Weight is not the only possible insecurity a woman can have about her body. And even if it were, that wouldn't make "skinny-girls" immune from an unhealthy body-image.

Thank you GlutenFreeLemon for this great picture!

Bonus!

Myth: "Real women have curves."

Fact: One's femininity has nothing to do with one's weight. You are a woman not because of how much you weigh, or how nicely you dress. Your worth, beauty, and identity are not wrapped up in the number on a scale or the tag in your jeans.

You have so much more than that. Your personality, your sense of humor, your love for others... Your thoughts, dreams, and ideas... Your humanity. Your womanhood.

So what if we stopped turning skinny vs. curvy into some kind of war, and just respected people for who they are?

31 Days

On Getting Over Myself

Saturday, September 20, 2014

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." -Molière

Hello. My name is Ana. I'm 15 years old, and I'm a chronic over-thinker and second-guesser.

"Well, maybe I shouldn't do that..." "That's a pretty big commitment. Maybe I should think about it a little more." "What if I fail and look stupid?!?!" "Should I really have said that? Now they'll all think I'm an idiot." "Maybe I should have gone with something else..." "But what if it goes wrong?"

That's what it's like inside my head every time I'm faced with a decision, just made a decision, speak aloud, think about speaking aloud... Yeah, a lot of the time.

And the sad thing is that I do this with silly, inconsequential things, too. Ordering from menus, for instance. I have a terrible time ordering food. There's the pressure of trying to pick just one thing out of a long list of options, and the added pressure of knowing that someone is waiting on you!

Once I've finally ordered, then comes the second-guessing. I agonize over whether I'm actually going to like what I ordered. I think about something else I might have ordered instead, and make up my mind that I would have been better off getting that one. But obviously it's too late, so I just do my best to stop thinking about it.

Now, most of the time, this over-thinking and second-guessing is just annoying. It makes me a little anxious when buying something or ordering at a restaurant, but other than that, it's not too big of a deal.

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking also attempts to rob me of really exciting experiences like auditioning for a play, going up and talking to someone, or posting on my blog. It wants me to stay safely trapped within my comfort zone, and to decide that the risk just isn't worth it.

The other day, I found out about something called 31 Days.

For anyone who doesn't know (which, if we're honest, is probably most people), 31 Days is a writing challenge for bloggers to choose just one topic and write a post about that topic every day in October. At the beginning of the month, all of the bloggers participating put up a link on the 31 Days website so you can see all of the different blogs participating.

When I first heard about it inadvertently through the blog Cranberry Tea Time, I knew it was something I wanted to try. It's ambitious, completely different from anything I've ever done before, and inspires you to get more involved in something.

At first, I was really psyched about it. I read through nearly all of the information on their website, checked out a couple of the blog entries from last year, and started prepping for my own participation.

And then... I started thinking.

Way. too. much.

About all of the reasons why I shouldn't do it.

"Well, you're sick, so you'll probably end up missing days." "You only blog a few days a month, so why would you think you could ever come up with a blog a day for a month?!" "You're way too busy for that." "It's silly." "This is a huge commitment, and you're somewhat of a commitment-phobe."

I hadn't completely committed yet, so I didn't have to do it. I could still decide not to.

But I knew that if I didn't do it, I was going to regret it. After all, 31 Days only comes around once a year. I could technically decide to write every day for a month any month of the year, but it wouldn't be the same if I didn't even try. It's not a crisis if I do miss a day. And I would definitely regret not trying at all more than I would regret missing a few posts.

So I've decided I'm going to get over myself and just do it.

And while I know it's not a huge deal in the long run, it feels like a little victory over all the doubt, anxiety, and fear.

I haven't quite made up my mind what my "31 Days of ____" will be, but I'm working on figuring out the details. Be sure to keep an eye out for more updates on my progress.

If you want to read more about 31 Days and how to get involved, check out this page- What Is 31 Days? Be sure to let me know if you decide to join in!

illness

Invisible Illness Week: Just One... Pt. 4

Sunday, September 14, 2014

"When 'I' is replaced by 'we', even illness becomes wellness." -Unknown

We are coming to the end of Invisible Illness Week, 2014. (IIWk)

I've already done several Just One posts this week (HERE, HERE, and HERE), but I figure one can never do too many. But before I get into the post itself, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me by sharing these posts. My Facebook posts have reached nearly 800 people this week, and it's all because of you guys. Thank you for all of the love and support!

I had a hard time trying to decide what I would do for my last "official" IIWk post. It feels like one of the most important posts of the week, because this is what you'll be left with. This is it- the grand finale. The big finish.

When trying to come up with something that satisfied all that I want for my last post, I asked myself this question- if they could take away just one thing, what would I want it to be?

It might seem like a hard question to answer, because there is so much I hope you learned from this week. But in reality, there is just one thing that is imperative that you know. It's just four simple words, yet they mean so much to those of use suffering from invisible illness.

You. Are. Not. Alone.

When you live with an invisible illness, it seems like you're the only one who "gets it". You feel completely isolated and cut off from the rest of the world. You can no longer do all of the things you want to. You're not the healthy, robust, energetic person you used to be.

But you need to know that there are others out there who understand. In fact, approximately 100 million people in the US alone are living with an invisible illness. Their diagnosis may not be exactly like yours, but they are living with some form of illness that no one else can see.

Alone, we are just one. But together, we are many. Together, we can make a difference. Together, can spread hope.

...

Here a few links to help you on your way.

Invisible Illness Week

Rest Ministries

Invisible Disabilities Association

But You Don't Look Sick

Dysautonomia Information Network

Ehler's-Danlos National Foundation

National Fibromyalgia Association

ME/CFS Association

Molly's Fund (Lupus)

And you can find a more complete list of chronic illness Associations and Foundations HERE, courtesy of Invisible Illness Week.

friends

Invisible Illness Week: Just One... Pt. 3

Friday, September 12, 2014

"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." -Elbert Hubbard

September 8th-14th is Invisible Illness Week (IIWk). Every year, the founders of IIWk choose a slogan that acts as a theme for the campaign. This year's theme is Just One. Because alone we are just one... but together, we are just one of over 100 million living with an invisible illness. You can find more Just One blog posts over at their website.

I have already written two Just One posts (HERE and HERE), but I decided I needed to do another one. So here is Just One reason my friends are the best people ever.

Since I've gotten sick, one the most difficult things for me has been the way my illnesses have affected my ability to have fun. My extra-curricular activities, my hobbies, and even my outings with friends have all had to conform to this new lifestyle that being sick commands.

Sometimes I have to cancel plans. Sometimes I don't get to do every step in dance class. Sometimes I need to walk a little slower or take more breaks. I get hot and can't work as long, or my joints start acting up.

And when you live with chronic pain, it is so much easier to get distracted. You brain can only focus on so many things at once, and when pain is occupying too much space, something else is sacrificed. I tend to space out during conversations, or stop in the middle of a sentence. Sometimes I completely forget what I was trying to say, or have no idea what word I'm looking for.

I imagine I can be a hard person to be around. But no matter how difficult I am, my friends are there for me.

They've been willing to slow down to my pace. They don't give me weird looks when I need to sit down. They're understanding when I forget what I meant to say, and do their best to help me out when I can't think of the right word.

Some people find that a lot of their friends don't care anymore, or don't have time for them, or just can't understand. But my friends have stuck around.

And that's just one reason my friends are the best in the world.

illness

Invisible Illness Week- Just One... Pt. 2

Thursday, September 11, 2014

"Always find something to be thankful for." -Unknown

September 8th-14th, 2014, is Invisible Illness Week (IIWk), and I've already done three posts HERE, HERE, and HERE. As I explained in yesterday's post, the theme for this year's IIWk is Just One. Because although we may be just one, we are just one of over 100 million living with an invisible illness. For more Just One posts, check out the IIWk website.

As I'm sure most of you know, I am a Christian. Ever since the beginning of my illness, I have been constantly searching to glorify God in my situation, and find hope in my circumstances. I firmly believe that there is a purpose behind everything- including my illness- and although it may have taken a little while, I was finally able to see just one thing I am thankful for that came about because of my illness.

And indeed, you are looking at that one thing- my writing.

Before I got sick, my plans were to pursue a career in nursing. I loved doctor-y stuff, and enjoyed learning about the human body, how it worked, and particularly what happens when it doesn't work correctly. (That's just one way I think God was preparing me for being sick, but that's another blog post all together.)

Writing was always something I enjoyed doing for school, and a little bit as a hobby, too. I experimented with poetry, and wrote fairly good essays and short-stories for assignments. I kept a journal, thought the idea of writing a book and getting published was cool, but I didn't really consider myself a writer per se.

I started dabbling in writing a little more towards the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. One of my New-Year's Resolutions for 2013 was to start a blog, and so Walk in the Rain with Me was born.

It was not long after that my health began to deteriorate. As my energy levels decreased and my pain levels increased, I began to spend more and more time writing in my journal to sort out my thoughts, and my blog became a distraction. In July- only three months after I started my blog- I wrote my first post about being sick. (If you want to read it, click over HERE.)

And that was only the beginning. Since then, I have written nearly 40 blog posts, half of which have pertained to illness and learning how to live a new normal. I've had more than 4,000 page views, 15 subscribers, 1 follower, and over 50 likes on Facebook. I remember being so happy when I hit 100 views, and I still get excited when I see that people continue to read or share my blog posts.

Looking back, I can see how much of a blessing this blog has really been for me. The action of writing a blog post helped me work through whatever topic or struggle I was writing about, and having a place to share my illness journey without all the awkwardness of a face-to-face conversation made it so much easier to cope.

Over the past year and a half-ish, and I have seen first hand what a blessing writing is for me, and it has become just as necessary to my life as sleeping or eating. I started to see that God had given me the gift of words, and I was figuring out how to go about developing it. Because of my blog and my journaling, I have decided to pursue some sort of writing career, possibly through a degree in communications. It has opened my eyes to the fact that my thoughts and plans for the future are likely to change over time, and that's OK.

And this is just one thing I am thankful for that has come about because of my illness...

family

Invisible Illness Week- Just One... Pt. 1

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

illness

Invisible Illness Week- 30 Things About My Invisible Illness

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

"I am more than what you see." -Unknown

This week- September 8th through 14th, 2014- is Invisible Illness Week (IIWk). It's all about spreading hope for those suffering from invisible illnesses.

I've been trying to do a blog post like this for the past month or so, and could never think of the right words to say. I found this on Invisible Illness Week's website, and decided it was just what I needed. So here ya go- hopefully you learn something new about me. Be sure to visit their website for more information about IIWk and life with invisible illness.

30 Things You Might Not Know About My Invisible Illness

1. The illness(es) I live with are: Ehler's-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2013 for POTS, and 2014 for EDS.
3. But I had symptoms since: at least 2012 for POTS, and because EDS is a genetic disorder, I've always had it and experienced many of the symptoms of it. (Hypermobility in particular.)
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: recognizing that there are things I cannot do anymore, and finding ways to work with my body instead of against it.
5. Most people assume: that I must be very clumsy because I'm always getting hurt due to my EDS.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: just mustering the energy to get going.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: M*A*S*H
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my computer.
9. The hardest part about nights are: the pain that makes it hard to sleep.
10. Each day I take 18 pills & vitamins.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am fairly open, though a little skeptical.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: to stay with what I have now, although I don't think one is better than the other.
13. Regarding working and career: I had to give up my babysitting job because of my lack of energy and patience, but I do hope to look into working somewhere once I turn 16. Eventually, I plan to pursue a degree in Communications.
14. People would be surprised to know: that I can swallow at least eleven pills at one time.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: accepting that I can't do everything I used to be able to, and that sometimes I do need help.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: raise $1,000 to fund the building of a well through Gospel for Asia.
17. The commercials about my illness: are fairly nonexistent. I have never seen or heard one.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: having the ability to be spontaneous. I can't just go out and do something anymore- I need to plan ahead in an attempt to have the energy, make sure I have taken my medication, etc.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: being so active. I used to dance at least three days a week, as well as my normal stuff. I have had to cut back on a lot of that due to my illness taking away so much energy.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: writing. It had been a casual hobby for a while, but it was only after I got sick that I really began to see how much it meant to me.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: go out someplace with my friends, walk around a lot, and then share a really nice meal. Maybe at a buffet.
22. My illness has taught me: that things happen and plans change, but God is still God, and He is never going to let me down. I just have to take things one day at a time and allow Him to work through me.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: "I get that too sometimes." Uh... just no.
24. But I love it when people: allow me to talk about my illness while not pressuring me if I don't want to.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: "Remember He is the artist and you are only the picture. You can't see it. So quietly submit to be painted... You are in the right way. Walk--don't keep on looking at it.” -C. S. Lewis
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: that while things may not "get better", there will be better days.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how much more sensitive I have become to the suffering of others. I am able to pick up very subtle clues as to when a person is feeling unwell that I previously would not have noticed.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: helping me out while I was on crutches.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I want other people with an invisible illness to see that they're not alone.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: honored. Thank you!

illness

Invisible Illness Week

Monday, September 08, 2014

"Awareness is the greatest agent of change." -Eckhart Tolle

"I have a chronic illness." These are some of the hardest words I have ever had to process.

Nobody wants to think of themselves as sick. No one wants to have to consider how an illness will affect their future, career choices, college options, or relationships. No one wants to be forced to accept the fact that their life is completely changed by this string of apparently unpronounceable words now branding them "sick."

But for many of us, this is exactly what we must do. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 Americans is living with a chronic illness. That's approximately 133 million people.

Now, you might be wondering- is it a big deal? Well, the answer is yes. Having a chronic illness affects every area and aspect of the patient's life, as well as the lives of those around them. Depression is 15-20% more likely in those with chronic illness, and in as many as 70% of suicides, physical illness and chronic pain play a huge part. Of these suicides, over half were younger than 35.

"But Ana, why have I never known that? How could I miss it? Why do I not see all of these sick people around me?"

Of the 133 million people in America with chronic illness, approximately 96% of these have an illness that we refer to as "invisible". They don't use a cane, walker, or wheelchair. They have no identifying marks that make them stand out. In fact, they probably look much like you.

These "invisible illnesses" include Diabetes, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue/ME, IBD, Arthritis, Ehler's-Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Dysautonomia, Multiple Sclerosis, various mental disorders, and many more.

You can't see any physical evidence, but they are struggling. They are hurting. And they are living with a disease that has no cure, and sometimes, very few treatment options at all.

And the fact that their illness is invisible only makes it that much more difficult. When others can see evidence of illness- being bald from cancer treatment, a wheelchair for dealing with paralysis, etc.- patients are met with a certain amount of social stigma. But many people also find that friends, family, and even total strangers are willing to lend a helping hand and offer support.

When there is absolutely no physical evidence of illness, patients are sometimes met with skepticism, disbelief, or suspicion- especially in illnesses with very little awareness or those that are misunderstood. They are accused of not needing a disability car tag or the handicap seat on the train. Doctors don't understand what's going on. Family and friends think they're exaggerating.

When you can't easily find other people like you- people with your same illness- you start to feel isolated. It begins to seem as though you're the only person in the world who is suffering like this. It feels like no one can truly understand.

But the truth is that we are not alone. We are one of many.

And that's why September 8th-14th, 2014, is Invisible Illness Week (IIWk)- to remind all of those suffering from an invisible illness that they are not alone, and to show the public that just because an illness isn't immediately apparent doesn't mean it won't change your life.

IIWk isn't about raising funds, or even just spreading awareness.

It's about spreading hope.

5 Skinny-Girl Myths: Debunked!

On Getting Over Myself

Invisible Illness Week: Just One... Pt. 4

Invisible Illness Week: Just One... Pt. 3

Invisible Illness Week- Just One... Pt. 2

Invisible Illness Week- Just One... Pt. 1

Invisible Illness Week- 30 Things About My Invisible Illness

Invisible Illness Week

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