Farewell 2017! I won’t brag about all the opportunities God gave me to learn and grow, or all the things I’ve learned about myself. But I will say that I’m more excited than ever to get this New Year underway. Look out world, here I come! (Not even sure what that means exactly, but it sounds good, right?)
I started this blog in October of 2016. That was over 16 months ago. I guess I spent those months working on being patient and waiting. It reminds me of my favorite Dr. Suess’ book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” I’ve been in that infamous “waiting place” for quite some time now. (January 17th, 2018 will be 20 months, but who’s counting?) I guess I am. Still. Counting.
Somewhere between the waiting and counting, I finally decided I would channel my “inner Stephanie” by writing. As Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” For the last 20 months, I’ve been holding onto my story. Let’s be honest, putting myself out there (the good, bad and ugly) isn’t really my style. (Although some would say I don’t have any style…fashion style that is!) My style or not, this is my attempt to rediscover who I am and what I am passionate about. If it educates or informs others about what it’s like living with an invisible illness that will be a bonus.
Part of the “waiting” was my fixation on what others would think of my writing, of my situation, or my honesty. Let’s face it, there are A LOT of grammar police out there. (Admittedly, I was once one of those police. Probably still am!) The last 20 months have been hard. Really hard. These months have had a physical, social, and emotional impact on me. I’ve finally come to realize sharing my story, my thoughts, and my experiences is therapy. An outlet. Something for me to do to help me move forward. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. They are over rated, really. But I’ve always been a goal setter. Not for the last 20 months, though. I hope to figure out what my next goal is through sharing my writing. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me in 2018!
Inside Invisible Illness 
Thanks for sharing. I started a blog and then stopped. Maybe I can get started again.
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You should! It’s very therapeutic.
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You’re an inspiration! My heart is full of love for you my friend, my eyes are full of tears, both tears of happiness and sorrow. Happiness for you on this next journey, I am beyond proud of you. Sorrow because I know what you have had to walk away from. I miss your smile daily and me and my girl talk of you often.
You’ve got this friend.
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That means so much to me, Stacey! I miss you and your girl so much.
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Keep sharing dear friend! I’ve lived with the invisible pain of fibromyalgia for over 5 years & it has gotten progressively worse. I thought I’d have to take early retirement this summer but my dr kept working with me & I’ve found a new drug that at least gets me through the day. I don’t tell a lot of people about this cause it doesn’t solve the problem & it’s hard for people to understand an illness that doesn’t make you look any different. I keep you in my prayers everyday Steph. You are strong & an inspiration to all that know you. Miss your face! Hugs!!
Brenda
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Thank you, friend. I totally understand your pain! Praying for you, too. Miss you and our laughs!
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