Lupus helps me fill the writing queue

Lupus fuels my thought train!

Obviously, this blog wouldn't exist without Lupus. So that's one thing. But it isn't just about this one blog. There's quite a few ways Lupus inspires me to write more and better.

I've mentioned time before in these posts. I don't have as much of it as some people. That means less time to write too. Which in turn means, I better get on it, don't you think? Lupus gives me a sense of urgency greater than most. Thank goodness too, because I'm becoming a bit of a procrastinator lately.

Late night pain and other symptoms could leave me up all night bellyaching, moaning and groaning. Or, I could use the times when I don't feel well to write. Like I'm doing right now. That's right, if it weren't for Lupus keeping me up with stomach issues, this post never would have happened.

Life's experiences have a way of becoming writing material, don't they? My experience with Lupus often prompts me to write. It engages my brain, which makes it more likely that an inspiring related thought will come my way.

It's not just related material that springs from having Lupus either. Thought trains have a way of traveling far from the station. So, a thought that begins with Lupus may inspire a blog or article on a whole other subject.

So, thanks, Lupus, for giving me something to write about, a sense of urgency, midnight brainstorming sessions and a runaway thought train fueled by Lupus inspired steam.

My Lupus journey brings hope to others

Sometimes the road is rocky and you grow from it.

That's the whole idea of life, isn't it? It's so hard, whether or not you have a chronic illness. That's why we have to lift each other up, share our positive experiences and just generally do our best to look on the bright side. It's also why I choose to share my Lupus journey with others.

But how does that give people hope? Well, by showing people that they can continue to live their dreams, even when they're ill, of course. Which I do. Which they can too. And of course, there are obstacles to face and work around. For instance, since I love gardening, but Lupus does not love the sun, I use an umbrella, work before the sun comes up or both.

And sure, it's not the same, once you have a chronic illness. It does totally suck sometimes, to put it mildly. But what I would like people to know is that you can't let it bring you down. You have to keep smiling and keep doing the things you love, even if you have to do them differently. It's OK. Because the alternative is making yourself miserable by dwelling on the bad stuff. And who wants to be miserable? Not me.

So, if you're sick like me, or even if you're not, I hope that by telling you all the positive things about having Lupus or another chronic illness, I'll help you to smile and laugh more, cry less and stay positive. Because staying positive is not just a catchy saying. It actually keeps you healthier and happier.

Thanks Lupus, for giving me the opportunity to help others through my story.

Lupus improves my diet

Lupus only lets me eat the best of foods!

Oh, Lupus, you are a clever girl. You even help me eat healthier. You make me pay dearly for falling off the wagon every time. To the point where I think twice before having that second helping or eating anything that contains empty calories. And if it's bad for me? Just forget it. To put it as gently as possible, putting anything bad in me is pointless because it just doesn't stay in.

I am rarely tempted to have soda pop any more. Lupus rejects it in the form of acid reflux. Yup, it's not staying in there, so why bother? Lupus also reminds me not to consume too much salt. If I do, my legs swell up like balloons and hurt like crazy. In fact, just about everything I do that's bad for me has instant bad results.

And that's important, right? Because most bad habits have eventual results. But with Lupus, I know right away that I have made a huge mistake. And since I feel the effects right away, I'm more likely to avoid them.

So, thanks, Lupus, for making it obvious what I should and shouldn't eat, in no uncertain terms. It keeps me on track!

Giving a shout to being out and about

I like to move it, move it. Or not. But with Lupus, I really don't have a choice but to get up and be out and about. Huh? Yup. It's certainly true that people with chronic illnesses need a lot of rest. However, the real secret to feeling better is to make sure you don't rest all day, every day, unless, of course, it's one of those days where your illness simply won't budge or let you budge either. I know. It happens.

But for the most part, staying completely sedentary when you have a chronic illness is extremely bad for you. It makes things a thousand times worse than they already are. It's all about balance, as they say. The phrase, “move it or lose it” comes to mind and into play here. It's absolutely true. When I was writing full time, spending long hours at the computer, this disease had a very firm hold on me. Now that I make an effort to get up and get going when possible, I'm feeling much better on a daily basis.

Occasionally, I start feeling crappy again and realize that I've been writing too much and sitting too long. I am notified by Lupus that it's time to do something else. Yes, that notification usually comes in the form of pain, swelling and digestive issues, but hey, at least Lupus is nice enough to give me a sign before it's too late!

So, thanks, Lupus, for giving me the nudge to get up off my not so royal hiney. Because doing so insures that I will have a few extra years with the people I love.