27 Things Learned.

Okay. I have learned a lot more than 27 things through this treatment time. However, I had to find a way to finish this list and 27 is a nice number. 

So here are some serious, random, not so serious, weird things I've learned since I started treatment back in September. 

1. Avoid putting lotion on your face while you are twitching. Your lotiony finger may end up in your nose or between lips and gums. 

2. There is always something beautiful to be found in the valley. 

3. Spoons do not grow on trees. Use them wisely and prepare to possibly pay later. 

4. Baking soda is the most brilliant thing to put in a detox bath. Makes me less shaky when I come out of the tub and reduces inflammation. 

5. Applesauce, all natural jello, and turkey bacon are an acceptable breakfast, lunch or even dinner. 

6. Don't compare your marriage to someone else's. Just cause you are chronically ill doesn't mean you have to have a sucky marriage. 

7. Focus on the people who care about you. Don't focus on the people who don't.

8. If someone didn't care about you before you were diagnosed with a disease don't expect them to suddenly care after you are diagnosed. 

9. My Dr wasn't kidding when he said I was shaking things up in my body. And he wasn't kidding when he said the treatment is worse. 

10. Some people really do have good intentions, they are just busy with their  own crap too.

11. People can't come along side you if they are dealing with their own tragedy and hardship. Doesn't mean they hate you, just means their life, at the time, sucks too. 

12. Intently look for good. 

13. Don't compare your disease to someone else's. Even if they have a lot of the same symptoms, it's all different. 

14. My body is not the enemy, Lyme is the enemy. 

15. It's "Lyme Disease", not "Lymes Disease".  

16. Taking out organs is not always the problem solver. 

17. Taking a bath then taking a shower is stupid. Just lay back down and wash your hair in the tub. Ain't nobody got spoons for that. 

18. Watching Netflix all day does not make you lazy. It means you're resting and taking good care of your sick body. 

19. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself you have made it thus far, this is not your forever, and one day the world will be yours again. 

20. Make a list of what you're going to do when you are in remission. Nothing is too big or small to be on this list. 

21. Remember the things people said, didn't say, did and didn't do. Good or bad. So you can use that when you're healthy to help others. Don't let the cycle continue. 

22. Appreciate the people that are walking this battle out with you. No matter how few there may be. Focus on those who are fighting with you, not those who "should" be. 

23. Nobody likes being around a victim. You are victorious and more than an overcomer. 

24. Be real. Be honest. Chronically ill folks are great at putting masks on, and faking it. Doing so only hurts them and benefits no one. 

25. Set your boundaries and hold to them. Don't be around large groups of people if you get over stimulated. Don't go to an action movie if loud noises hurt your ears. Don't be around insensitive people if it's too much for you. Don't go to a restaurant if they don't have food you can eat. Just because you made plans doesn't mean you have to keep them. If your body has had enough that's okay.  Dressing up is overrated. Sweat pants are perfectly acceptable. Your health goes first. 

26. Giving up is not an option. 

27. Just be thankful you can ______ (fill in the blank with whatever you are complaining about). 

Energy Expelled: Writting this post was difficult and exhausting, but it just added to how I've been. These past two weeks have been a nightmare. I feel like I've just been getting worse. I'm really looking forward to seeing Dr.N in a few weeks. I need a change. Can't keep feeling this way. I really covet everyone's prayers. 

~ Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.