Hope Floats

 

Entering the Christmas season, hope is a word that always resonates with me this time of year. The hope of all things good and pure....peace, abundance, joy and above all--love. In the most recent issue of GLAMOUR magazine, actress Selma Blair--a fellow autoimmune warrior, stated that for the first time she's hopeful that genuine love will someday find it's way to her. The actress also stated how having a known disability--is off putting for some( paraphrasing here).

First and foremost I'm really glad to see that she's physically and emotionally in such a good and positive place. MS, Sjogren's, Lupus.....these diseases take no prisoners and are not for the faint of heart. In addition to the unfathomable physical pain & exhaustion these diseases cause, the mental and emotional anguish are just as debilitating. Trying to navigate an ever shifting reality from what your life oncewas, to what it is and may forever be is a heavy weight. For those of us singletons--this balancing act makes youhyper aware of the intentions of those coming into your life.

We know what we're dealing with, it is after all our "normal" and the harsh truth is, everyone isn't equipped to handle such a weight. Living with a chronic illness means everyday is a bit of a surprise, you never know what you're going to wake up facing. Debilitating muscle spasms, inflamed nerves and organs, migraines, impaired vision.....the list--much like a Dujour menu--changes daily. Having a people in your life that genuinely care for your wellbeing, and sincerely want to see you thrive is vital--especially your mate/partner.

I have to agree with Selma in that too often when an interested suitor realizes that your disability or illness isn't an overnight guest but rather a bad penny in every way, conversations become awkward, phone calls suddenly cease and that next date somehow never materializes. While disappointing, I'm personally grateful. As strange as it may sound, separating the wheat from the chaff has never been easier and my goodness what a time saver!

 I'm a matter of fact type of lady myself. Do not waste my time and do not sugar coat anything. Life is full of pitfalls, detours, and u-turns. If speedbumps scare you--you're not my person. Period. I can't think of any sane person that wouldn't want to be in optimal physical health. I would love to be able to travel on a whim, without intense planning. I would love to have a night out--and not need to be confined to my bed or couch for two days afterwards. 

We (autoimmune survivors) didn't cause or create these diseases and we sure as heck can't cure them. I have little--virtually zero--patience for the aforementioned personalities. In this season of my life I've learned many things--most importantly-- gratitude. I thank GOD for every breath--literally. When you live with conditions that can easily shorten your life span, your perspective certainly shifts.

While I wish people, especially men, possessed a greater depth of maturity when it comes to dating and health, that's not my primary focus. I still believe when God is ready, HE will handpick and send my person to me. While the Lord works on that part of my life, I'm laser focused on trying to follow HIS word and living this life with purpose. Each day I wake up  with the desire to be better, love harder, get healthier and do more to build his kingdom. Everything else---God's got it. 💝

#SelmaBlair #disability #love #hope