I see you. I hear you. And I believe you. One sufferer to another, I am so sorry for your pain and for all of the adjustments you’ve had to make in your life. It isn’t easy to live this path. But it is always comforting to know that there are other people who know, who understand, and hold space for all the grief that comes with chronic illness/pain. I appreciated reading of your experience and I will continue to hold hope for our healing, even amidst all the surmounting odds. May you continue to find small ways to help ease some of your pain, and draw strength from the love of your family.
Thank you for your authenticity. I'm so sorry you're experiencing this much pain. I appreciate your bravery in sharing this with all of us. May you find ease and healing.
Thank you for your vulnerability and expression always man. I’m so sorry to hear about how it’s felt to navigate this over the years. Know that you sharing your pain will help so many people who find themselves in similar situations. I hope you continue to nurture the hope and optimism that there’s help out there that will help you alleviate that pain. Your message about being kind to every single person is such an important reminder. Thank you for leading the way with that. Wishing you much health, peace, and blessings!
I'm sorry to hear you are having so much pain. This writing is a beautiful illustration of your experience. Thank you for your ability to communicate it so clearly. I sincerely hope you find all the support you need. And that you receive help in a way that results in more moments of peace than of pain.
Thank you for sharing your story and for being deeply honest. Your truth frees so many people from the shame of their own pain. (When I say people, I mean me.) thank you 🙏🏽
Thank you for sharing your experience with truth and courage. Once, when I was searching for affirmation of my suffering, I heard someone say “chronic illness is a continuous loss.” I deeply appreciate the way you speak to the grief that accompanies your journey, and that you leave space solely to share the side of your experience (and mine) that people would rather us hide away. You show that there can’t be peace when we don’t speak the truth. I hope you meet yourself with compassion for not only choosing to still be here, but to keep growing and giving the world your art.
I’ve had chronic illness since I was 15, and now going on 21 (at the worst phase so far), I’ve learned that on the path to lifelong recovery, my pain must be faced, but not alone. You show that pain doesn’t consume us even when all-consuming. Your art helps us all heal. I hope peace returns to you and your family admist the challenges. You are not alone in the ebbs and flows of grief and faith. So thank you again, I hope that love sustains you.
- also, this reminds me to finally buy your book!!
I hear so much emotional pain and grief in your words as well. Heartbreak. Lost dreams. Uncertain future, not anything like what you planned and thought you and your family would have. I am so sorry you are going through this. I am grieving the end of 32 years with a man I loved more than anything who decided to just walk out, without a warning, just left. I understand a little of the grief and grieving you are in right now. It has been 5 years since it happened and the heartbreak has not healed yet, but I have to believe it will. That there will be new dreams, new joys that I will learn to see and find. I am sending you much love and light that you will find new dreams and joys as well, as you go through dealing with all this pain - emotional and physical. You are a warm, loving soul. Thank you so very much for your posts on Insta. They have helped me more times than I can count.
I hear your pain, Michell. I hear you very LOUD and very CLEAR. I understand pain and the fatigue it brings with it. The mental fog, the depression it can bring. I can turn wrong and put my back into years of debilitating pain (November 9, 2018).
You've inspired me to write a piece on a day my own invisible disability became visible. I'll tag you in it.
I wish you peace and clarity as you walk through this, Michell. I know my pain comes from a youth lived hard and free with joy and verve. Jumping off waterfalls, skiing, practicing with the High School Boy's Varisty LaCrosse team when I was a tween (I was precocious.) Slam Dancing in the 80s. OK, that wasn't a good decision. But my life was full. I hiked in sandals up short mountains because why not.
But it doesn't lessen today's real pain. Not one bit. Not at all.
I am so sorry for you pain my friend. I believe you too, I have been there and I know what you have been through!!! Sending you a lot of love and hope!
I read your post and reflected on how important it is to make the invisible, visible. That shame grows in the quiet, isolation of such a painful daily struggle. It takes courage to share, and give voice to the dark, difficult thoughts and feelings that accompany such pain. It brings with it a light of hope for you and others who also suffer in silence, alone. Choosing, sharing, voicing, connecting, are all part of our healing. I hope and pray that you find healing and connectedness. Nasreen
Thank you for being open and I hope that you’re not only able to find a better way to manage the pain but are able to find someone well equipped who takes your pain seriously and helps you find a lasting cure.🤗
I have had chronic vertigo for 15 years due to having nuclear radiation ( to treat cancer found while I was pregnant) and a loss of my thyroid. I used to be an athlete and coach. Some people don’t understand ( and don’t want to understand )how significant this is for me - why I can’t go on a simple hike any more, why I need rest so I don’t push my body too hard and get a “bout.” So I go about my life and do vertigo management so I can continue to be the best mom, now single mom, I can be. So yes, I understand. And to anyone who doesn’t— their empathy is just not there. That’s ok. Life hasn’t thrown them that curve ball, but stay in your lane. They don’t know the mental and emotional toughness required. They haven’t lived it. Nor the level of acceptance it takes to suddenly occupy a different body than you’re used to. Nor the courage it takes to get painful treatments as needed ( in my case the eply maneuver; I call my physical therapist office the torture chambers and I’ve had that procedure done 20 times at least. None in the last 3 years, thank you Jesus). They don’t know unless they want to see with eyes that are clear, and some special ones do. But we see it. I see you, too. Those of us functioning with a chronic problem are superhero’s. Period!
I appreciate you so much for sharing this with the world. You've always been so real -- prioritizing what needs to be said over what people may want to hear. Thank you so much for spreading awareness on invisible disabilities -- the world is so much kinder and more loving because you're in it.
I see you. I hear you. And I believe you. One sufferer to another, I am so sorry for your pain and for all of the adjustments you’ve had to make in your life. It isn’t easy to live this path. But it is always comforting to know that there are other people who know, who understand, and hold space for all the grief that comes with chronic illness/pain. I appreciated reading of your experience and I will continue to hold hope for our healing, even amidst all the surmounting odds. May you continue to find small ways to help ease some of your pain, and draw strength from the love of your family.
Thank you so, so much Laci--I hear you and see you, too. May we both find healing
Ditto that. This article came at exactly the right time.
Thank you for this, you wrote what I want to tell everyone but never seem to be able to 🙏🏻
That means the world to me--thank you, and wishing you an easeful day
Thank you for your authenticity. I'm so sorry you're experiencing this much pain. I appreciate your bravery in sharing this with all of us. May you find ease and healing.
Receiving this--thank you so much, Sebene.
Thank you for your vulnerability and expression always man. I’m so sorry to hear about how it’s felt to navigate this over the years. Know that you sharing your pain will help so many people who find themselves in similar situations. I hope you continue to nurture the hope and optimism that there’s help out there that will help you alleviate that pain. Your message about being kind to every single person is such an important reminder. Thank you for leading the way with that. Wishing you much health, peace, and blessings!
Thank you, Kevin--I really hope so! Doing my best to come back to optimism, even when pessimism feels really alluring
The wound is where the light enters- Rumi
I'm sorry to hear you are having so much pain. This writing is a beautiful illustration of your experience. Thank you for your ability to communicate it so clearly. I sincerely hope you find all the support you need. And that you receive help in a way that results in more moments of peace than of pain.
Thank you so much, Aubrey---receiving this!
Thank you for sharing your story and for being deeply honest. Your truth frees so many people from the shame of their own pain. (When I say people, I mean me.) thank you 🙏🏽
Thank you so much, Diamonde. It helps a lot to hear people like you affirm that I'm not alone
Thank you for sharing your experience with truth and courage. Once, when I was searching for affirmation of my suffering, I heard someone say “chronic illness is a continuous loss.” I deeply appreciate the way you speak to the grief that accompanies your journey, and that you leave space solely to share the side of your experience (and mine) that people would rather us hide away. You show that there can’t be peace when we don’t speak the truth. I hope you meet yourself with compassion for not only choosing to still be here, but to keep growing and giving the world your art.
I’ve had chronic illness since I was 15, and now going on 21 (at the worst phase so far), I’ve learned that on the path to lifelong recovery, my pain must be faced, but not alone. You show that pain doesn’t consume us even when all-consuming. Your art helps us all heal. I hope peace returns to you and your family admist the challenges. You are not alone in the ebbs and flows of grief and faith. So thank you again, I hope that love sustains you.
- also, this reminds me to finally buy your book!!
I hear so much emotional pain and grief in your words as well. Heartbreak. Lost dreams. Uncertain future, not anything like what you planned and thought you and your family would have. I am so sorry you are going through this. I am grieving the end of 32 years with a man I loved more than anything who decided to just walk out, without a warning, just left. I understand a little of the grief and grieving you are in right now. It has been 5 years since it happened and the heartbreak has not healed yet, but I have to believe it will. That there will be new dreams, new joys that I will learn to see and find. I am sending you much love and light that you will find new dreams and joys as well, as you go through dealing with all this pain - emotional and physical. You are a warm, loving soul. Thank you so very much for your posts on Insta. They have helped me more times than I can count.
I hear your pain, Michell. I hear you very LOUD and very CLEAR. I understand pain and the fatigue it brings with it. The mental fog, the depression it can bring. I can turn wrong and put my back into years of debilitating pain (November 9, 2018).
You've inspired me to write a piece on a day my own invisible disability became visible. I'll tag you in it.
I wish you peace and clarity as you walk through this, Michell. I know my pain comes from a youth lived hard and free with joy and verve. Jumping off waterfalls, skiing, practicing with the High School Boy's Varisty LaCrosse team when I was a tween (I was precocious.) Slam Dancing in the 80s. OK, that wasn't a good decision. But my life was full. I hiked in sandals up short mountains because why not.
But it doesn't lessen today's real pain. Not one bit. Not at all.
I am so sorry for you pain my friend. I believe you too, I have been there and I know what you have been through!!! Sending you a lot of love and hope!
Great piece 🌿
I read your post and reflected on how important it is to make the invisible, visible. That shame grows in the quiet, isolation of such a painful daily struggle. It takes courage to share, and give voice to the dark, difficult thoughts and feelings that accompany such pain. It brings with it a light of hope for you and others who also suffer in silence, alone. Choosing, sharing, voicing, connecting, are all part of our healing. I hope and pray that you find healing and connectedness. Nasreen
Thank you for being open and I hope that you’re not only able to find a better way to manage the pain but are able to find someone well equipped who takes your pain seriously and helps you find a lasting cure.🤗
I have had chronic vertigo for 15 years due to having nuclear radiation ( to treat cancer found while I was pregnant) and a loss of my thyroid. I used to be an athlete and coach. Some people don’t understand ( and don’t want to understand )how significant this is for me - why I can’t go on a simple hike any more, why I need rest so I don’t push my body too hard and get a “bout.” So I go about my life and do vertigo management so I can continue to be the best mom, now single mom, I can be. So yes, I understand. And to anyone who doesn’t— their empathy is just not there. That’s ok. Life hasn’t thrown them that curve ball, but stay in your lane. They don’t know the mental and emotional toughness required. They haven’t lived it. Nor the level of acceptance it takes to suddenly occupy a different body than you’re used to. Nor the courage it takes to get painful treatments as needed ( in my case the eply maneuver; I call my physical therapist office the torture chambers and I’ve had that procedure done 20 times at least. None in the last 3 years, thank you Jesus). They don’t know unless they want to see with eyes that are clear, and some special ones do. But we see it. I see you, too. Those of us functioning with a chronic problem are superhero’s. Period!
I appreciate you so much for sharing this with the world. You've always been so real -- prioritizing what needs to be said over what people may want to hear. Thank you so much for spreading awareness on invisible disabilities -- the world is so much kinder and more loving because you're in it.
As always, you articulate so beautifully. As always, many will feel less alone. I see you. I hear you. I validate your experience. Warmly, Debbie