Through The Correct Looking Glass

Today, let’s look at helpful tips to help others see your true illness. Now, I know how difficult it is to go out without looking “presentable.” But I would challenge you to determine if “presentable” means to you. Don’t take into account what others will think. I’ve been doing just that and it isn’t working for me. Is it working for you? If it is, that’s great! I am truly happy for you. However, from what I’ve seen on social media, it doesn’t work for the majority of people. I would suggest being clean and having clean clothes on is presentable.

I’m not saying this is a great example but it certainly made me think. While watching the Depp v. Heard trial, there was a point where Ms. Heard’s makeup was being discussed. I know. I know. There are questions about the brand and actual makeup shown in court. It doesn’t matter to my example here. The point is, here’s a couple who are routinely photographed by professionals using bright lights and very expensive equipment. Yet, here are makeup artists testifying that significant bruising (not necessarily on Ms. Heard) can easily be covered with the correct makeup. All you need to know is color theory and which colors mask other colors. Ta..da! No more bruises are visible.

So, I hope all this makes sense. When we spend hours getting ready for something, days prepping and recovering, we are actually asking others to look at us through very dark sunglasses. When we do our hair and makeup, we are asking them to look through rose colored glasses. It is only by letting them see the real us that we allow them to look deeper? Only then are our doctors able to use their magnifying glasses to really see what is happening to us.

So, the next time you get angry that others don’t understand, ask yourself if you’re allowing them to experience your real illness. Are you fighting to be presentable or are you showing the very real effects of your illness? It is something that I am certainly re-evaluating. I am ready to let the world see what this illness has really taken from me.

Tomorrow, I will post some tools to help with tracking the effects of your illness. Until then, keep choosing your way to healing with peace.

Chris