What One Sees, Not ALWAYS, What One 'GETS'...

     When one lives with an 'invisible-illness', such as Lupus, R.A., Fibromyalgia, etc., as, do, I, there are many, assorted, challenges, which emanate, from such; One of the, largest, being the fact that one, often, doesn't LOOK sick. Herein, lies a tremendous, trial, of it's own accord, as, many, people, not understanding of a particular, disorder, often do not offer validation of, or, toward a party who suffers from one of these. Well...I'm here to attest to this fact; that, simply because I may not LOOK as if I'm unwell, my body 'begs to differ', and, this is the furthest thing from the truth. I am not here, this, day, to complain of the physical-plight that plagues me, but, only, to enlighten some, who may not, otherwise, understand. Living with a 'challenging' disorder can be, and, most often, is, exhausting; this, frequently, coming in the form of emotional-exhaustion, which equates to more, physical-exhaustion, and pain. One of the 'tricks' in dealing with a chronic-disorder, is in 'figuring-out' how to cope, on a day to day basis. Believe me, this, isn't always, easy; but, for me, has become, less and less the challenge. This being said, when one doesn't get the support from those, in their life, it can lend a bit, more, difficulty, to the already-existing, daily, drudgery, of a disorder. Personally, I have gotten, way, beyond the point of 'needing' the approval or assistance, that comes by way of understanding, by others, both within my life and without. I KNOW the nature of my struggle, and, I deal with it, in the best way(s) I know how, and, DO NOT require any, understanding, from family, friends, or strangers. The fact of the matter is this; that, NOBODY...and, I mean NOBODY, knows better what I MUST deal with, each and every day of my life. This is true of anyone's life. We, on the outside, or, perhaps, even regarding those, closest to us, don't, always, realize, the private-plight of a human-being. For this reason, as well as for others, it is important to try to show acceptance, kindness and love to others, for, we know not what they may suffer or struggle with. Every man, woman, and, child, faces one, personal, difficulty, or another, as suffering is a Universal situation. In knowing this, wouldn't it be 'ideal' if we ALL chose to be supportive of each other, in general? The 'bottom-line' is that, simply, because we may not 'see' the suffering of a fellow-human, does not mean his or her difficulties don't exist. Might I suggest that we, always, attempt to keep this thought in mind, and, at heart. Just Sayin'...