A new pair of eyeglasses is a perfect way to feel special about yourself especially when you’re feeling down and out. It’s a perfect icemaker for anyone who has a hard time starting conversation with strangers. If I was purchasing a pair I’d pick a pair with a little bit of etching on the sides since I don’t like to draw too much attention to myself, especially when I’m not feeling very well during a lupus or fibromyagia flare.

It is one way to feel good about myself when I’m feeling down and out with the pain and fatigue of living with lupus and chronic pain. A little color goes a long way to make you feel better on a bad day. I’d choose a pair that has a little color without overdoing it.

I would wear my new glasses with my crocheted Valentine’s Day hat I’m making right now. Zenni Optical has a pair for only $9.95 that includes anti-scratch coating, UV protection, a case, and cleaning cloth. I really like the glasses with a roses etching on both sides. I could buy a pair of glasses for every month for less than I paid for one pair at retail optical.

• Look at yourself in the mirror and say positive things about yourself out loud,if possible.

• I may be sick, but I will not let sickness define me.

• Write positive messages to yourself on post it notes or note cards in your car or house. Do a search online for inspirational quotes or make up your own.

• Wear a little makeup. A tube of lipstick or blush will help you look and feel good. You don’t have to leave the house to wear it. Adding a little eye color to you will help brighten your eyes

• Write positive messages in a gratitude journal. It does not have to be anything big. Write about beautiful things around you such as: the sky, green grass, dogs playing, or an old friend visited.

• Take a short walk is a great way to get outdoors. It does not need to be a long walk.

• Sit outdoors on your porch or patio to observe Mother Nature and your neighborhood. Speak to people walking past your home.

• Join a non-whining support group. A negative group will not help you feel better about yourself.

• Read a book full of inspirational quotes in the morning.

• Get involved in a hobby. Most hobbies can be adapted to your disability.

A new pair of glasses is always great to have in time for the holidays. My daughter loves to dress up for the holidays from head to toes with holiday decor. I love how she gets into the holiday spirit. This year she decorated our tree by herself since I was not able to help out. Since I have a hard time getting her to wear her cheap eyeglasses I wonder if I bought her one for each season of the year if that would encourage her to wear them more often than she does now. Sometimes a parent has to do what they have to do to get their kids to wear. Mine tries all kinds of tricks not to wear them, but not much you can do with a teenager other than get creative. I’m so glad I didn’t have put glasses on her when she was little, since I’m sure she’d pull them off more than keep them on. Then again she may have liked them, if she started when she was little. Do your kids like to wear glasses or do they make up every excuse known to man to not wear their glasses. I think I’ll talk to her about seasonal one to bring out her beautiful blue eyes even though she thinks It hides them.

holiday are stressful

How do you deal with stress during the holidays?

credit: Morguefiles

How much can one person take? I lost my aunt who has lupus to a massive stroke last month. She didn’t talk much about the lupus, but she did go on with her life. She was an ideal patient in my mind since she continued to work even though she struggled daily with the lupus. She had several stokers before a stroke took her.  I admire her ability to not let lupus bring her down.   She worked until she died. Rest in Peace Auntie.  You are forever in my heart. I pray one day a cure will be found for lupus.

Learning the baby gender predictor was one of the most exciting times of my pregnancy. Once I learned that I was having a girl I could start planning for the birth of my daughter.  Knowing the baby gender allows the parent to look for clothing and furniture.  I cannot imagine not knowing that I was having a bouncing baby girl I could dress up in lace, ribbon and bows. My bouncing bundle of joy is almost an adult now. I cringe at the idea of her going out in the crazy world, but I’m exciting about her being a college student.

Some are good ones and others are not

Living with lupus used to be the worst

But I’ve learned that it has opened some doors

I learned that I love to write

and write and write as much as breath

It’s taught me to slow down even when I’m not compliant

Life with lupus isn’t  what I intended

But I’ve learned to cope with my life

Lupus isn’t an easy life.