Why I Choose to Be Open About My Journey With Illness

I saw a post on Instagram the other day and it really resonated with me. It said, “We need to share our wars.”

I’ve felt lost more than a handful of times in my life. I’ve felt heartbreak, grief, divorce, illness, death and probably some hard times my mind doesn’t want to remember. I’ve realized over the years that the only way to get through any of it is to be honest and open about it.

 

When I got sick, I remember how alone I felt. I was pissed off and alone. I had no idea what I was feeling or what was ahead for me. Through the wonders of social media and the kindness of strangers, I began to not feel so alone. Others offered comfort in their advice, their stories and overall kindness.

Over the years I’ve learned a few things, and I feel it’s good to offer what I can to others. My hope is to give at least one person the comfort I was given. That said, it’s not just about helping those who deal with illness. I’ve dealt with a lot in my 27 years of living, and maybe my story could help someone. The ways I’ve learned to cope could work for someone else, or someone could learn from my mistakes. This is why we share our stories, and why I’ve chosen to share my life with anyone who wants to read about it.

Being open about life is a scary concept. There have been a few times I’ve sat staring at the words on the screen wondering if I could really hit publish. Right after I’d hit publish, there was instant anxiety telling me to take it back. So far I haven’t, and honestly it’s been the most freeing experience. Everyone has something to give the world; you just have to find the people who can handle and appreciate what you’re giving.

No matter if it’s heartbreak, grief, anxiety, depression, illness or anything else, I can guarantee there’s someone out there who can understand you, and maybe even help you through it. Sometimes it’s a simple word, or the chorus of a song; it may hit you just right, at the just the right moment that you realize you’re going to be OK.

This post originally appeared on Hustle and Heart.

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Thinkstock photo via kieferpix.