The Lupus love is real, but I'm still kicking it curbside

How do I love Lupus? Let me count the ways while simultaneously squashing it flat!

By now, you all know how much I have learned to appreciate the lessons that Lupus has taught me. Likely, you also know that it's not all good. I mean, it is a chronic illness, you guys. It's not pretty for sure. In fact, in the last week, it's made me downright miserable and exhausted. So, don't think that just because I sing the praises of Lupus, I'm ignoring the fact that it could quite possibly kill me at any given time.

I'm still kicking Lupus curbside, for sure. I don't love Lupus so much that I'm ignoring it's ravages or not doing something about it. I see a rheumatologist regularly. I watch my nutrition. I get off my butt and move it, move it, move it so I don't succumb to a sedentary lifestyle. I take my meds. In short, I'm doing all I can to insure that I live as long as possible.

I have people who depend on me, you guys. I can't be dying on them or become so incapacitated out of sheer complacency that I can't function. I just can't. So, while Lupus has taught me some very important life lessons, I also totally get that I'd be better off without it. I just choose to look at the bright side.

That's just who I am. And I don't think I'm better than anyone else, either. Hey, everyone has to handle their life in their own way. I get it. It's a rough road, even without chronic illness. Staying in my happy place helps me, but if it doesn't help you, that's OK. I happen to think it will. But as they say, that's none of my business.... Ha ha ha

Anyway, ya. I'm still here in part because of my positive attitude. But it's also because I'm not afraid to sock Lupus right in the eye when needed. And believe me, I understand that there are people fighting chronic illness who are beyond the point where a smiley face will help them survive. Someday, I may be one of them. Who knows? I may lose my ability to smile one day as well.

After all, who am I kidding? There's nothing about dying to be grateful for, right?

Nah. That's not like me at all. I always find the good. In fact, I'll probably be on my death bed some day talking about how at least I won't have to wash the dishes or do the laundry anymore. Happiness. It's one chronic illness that I'm glad to be infected with.