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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Raising Awareness




























When I stop to think of all the things I've learned since joining the blogging community, I could quickly become overwhelmed. It's all good mind you. I've learned it's possible to grow my own mushrooms on a log, how easy it is to make laundry soap and that you can buy diapers for chickens. Mercy!

Good things and funny things, yes, but I've also learned some serious things. Life changing things that have an impact on so many people yet are rarely ever discussed. I'm talking about invisible illness. The common phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' has likely never been more true than when it comes to dealing with an invisible illness. I won't pretend I know what it's like to deal with an invisible illness, but I am starting to appreciate how life altering it can be for those who live with chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, loneliness and more, day in and day out.

This week is Invisible Illness Awareness Week. Want to learn more? Please visit here.

Or perhaps you would like to learn first hand from someone who struggles regularly with an invisible illness? Then please visit Misha and her guests as they sit on her front porch and share their stories with everyone passing by. And please, drop them a note of encouragement, it isn't easy to share a story that most don't want to hear and, also, because every battle is better served with friendship, caring and hope.

~Be well friends


7 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh this is a lovely post as you know I suffer from Fibromyalgia a painful illness that no one can see and I have found many others suffering from it and many others dealing with invisible illnesses on the internet. I love the blogging world it truly makes dealing with things like this not feel so isolating and you know there is a hug just one click away if you really need it.
Great post and I am off to check out the site of others. HUG B

Unknown said...

This is a great post and so important to bring focus to. My brother has an ABI (acquired brain injury) due to an accident in 2010. He looks fine and walks just like you and me, but his brain doesn't work as fast as it once did. I watch people get frustrated with him as he searches for words not knowing what his daily challenges are or the courage that it takes for him to get up the next day and do it all over again. I'm new to the blogging world so this is a great way for me to start. Thanks!
E

Michelle said...

Everyone is fighting their own battle, often hidden on the inside. Great post.

Lynne said...

Great post Andrea.
Going over to Misha's to sit on her front porch brought me to Kayla and her story. I hope others visit and read about the invisability of Lyme Disease!

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Thank you for this, sister-friend.
You said it so perfectly...
LYLAS!!
xo, misha

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

What Michelle said, for sure. I am significantly hearing impaired and quite often get annoyed responses from people when they have to repeat themselves because I haven't heard them. Or they are unsettled because it's obvious I'm looking at their face to read their lips to understand. Because I am not "old", and my hearing impairment is not something you can see, I'm treated as if I'm being rude or I am a nuisance.

There are many conditions that aren't visible on the outside, and the stigma that goes with THAT makes it worse. Thank you for bringing to light a very real problem for many of us.

Bianca said...

Misha pointed your blog out to me just now. Thanks for helping to rais awareness too, eventhough you don't suffer from an invisible illness yourself.
My story is up next on Misha's blog. I have fibromyalgia which turned my life upsidedown.
Gonna link to your blog too if I may in my next post.
Thanks again.
Bianca