I still find it hard to put this badge on. For all the downsides of having an #invisibledisability, it does afford a certain level of comfort; for all anyone else knows, I am just as capable as they are. To choose to be visible can be a challenge. Sometimes this badge still feels like wearing my fragility out loud. The badge might as well read “Needy Woman Who Can’t Handle Life,” I think to myself.
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But the badge could also say “Woman Who’s Strong Enough to Ask for Help” / “Woman Who’s Come Too Far to be Beaten by a Bus Seat” / “Woman Deserving of Your Compassion” / “Woman Who Knows She is a Queen and Should Be Treated as Such.”
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Other badges I need on public transport include: - “Please Let Me Read Over Your Shoulder”
- “Please Offer Me Your Snacks”
- “Please Keep Your Cold to Yourself”
- “Please Turn Your Headphones Down, I Don’t Like Techno and I’m Not About to Start Now”
- “Please Give Me Your Number (No, Not You, the Guy Behind You)”
- “Please Tell Me You Love My Outfit and Think My Makeup is Flawless”
- “Please Have your Phone Argument Somewhere Else, You Whiny Little Trollop”
- “Please Treat Yourself Gently Today - We Deserve It”
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What badge do you wish you had on public transport? Spoonie friends - do you have a badge because of your condition?
Oh, and able-bodied friends - please do glance up when you’re in a full carriage. Someone might be looking for their angel, and your bum could make their day.
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#pleaseoffermeaseat #publictransportproblems #invisibledisability #chronicfatigue #widespreadchronicpain #fibromyalgiawarrior #fibromyalgiaawareness #fibrowarrior #fibroproblems #vulvodyniaawareness #pelvicfloordysfunction #invisibleillness #invisibledisabilities #askingforhelpisnotaweakness #invisibledisabilitiesweek
If only our mirrors showed us how our loved ones see us...
In the hardest, most dire year of my life, my forever friend @rachel.e.m.prior drew me this: a resolutely joyful young woman dancing out of the darkness into the light.
She now sits by my mirror as a reminder. Even when I don’t see it, I can trust my family and dearest friends to see my beautiful, resilient spirit.
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Thank you, Rachel. Love you xx
#Throwback to a bucket list dream-come-true with @lily.parham 🥰
Bethesda is truly beautiful. Not ashamed to say I shed a little tear, thinking of all the hours I’ve spent in bed, fantasising about my pilgrimage to see her. In my worst moments of pain, I would never have believed I’d be able to visit her. So to stand there, staring up at her stone wings on this glorious summer’s day, felt nothing short of extraordinary.
We read Prior’s last speech together by the fountain, and I stopped to say a little prayer for all my ill brothers & sisters: it may be a wretched existence, but bless us anyway. More Life.
Thank you, Lily, for your incredible allyship, making the trip possible and amending it to be accessible. You’re a friend in a million. Love you, Soul Sister!
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#AngelsinAmerica #CentralPark #BethesdaFountain #BethesdaFountainNYC #BethesdayFountainCentralPark #Bethesda #ThereAreNoAngelsinAmerica #MoreLife #SpoonieTravel #SpoonieTravels #TravellingwithChronicPain #travelingwithchronicillness #travellingwithchronicillness #chronicpainwarrior #chronicpainawareness #accessibilitymatters #disabledtravel #travelingwithadisability #accessibilityawareness
Guess who got discharged from therapy today 🙌
Being discharged is a strange feeling. On the one hand, you feel like a champ because all your hard work seems to have paid off - you don’t need this help any more! On the other hand, you’re filled with trepidation - like a bird shivering on a lone branch, testing its wings, hoping it will be able to withstand the wind and rain on its own. 🐥
Ultimately, it’s a falsehood to think you don’t need help any more. We always need help. Always. I may be referred back to my therapist in the future. But it’s nice to know someone believes in you enough to let you skim the breeze solo, if only for a while.
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This is more of a landmark for me and not a brag. Wherever you’re at today is okay. Just keep going, even if it’s slow. Progress is not linear, and healing is a process. You are loved and you are valued. More life! .
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#spoonie #cbttherapy #therapypatient #chronicpain #chronicpaintherapy #painmanagement #copingwithchronicpain #invisibledisability #invisibleillness #therapyisselfcare #selfcarerevolution #spooniemoment #fibromyalgia #vulvodynia
