I am answering Lisa’s last post in another blog bc I think it hits on and brings up a 
massively important topic. Do you spend time speaking to others about your
condition or hold it inside? And from where does one draw his or her strength?

In the last blog I suggested keeping your IC to yourself and not relying on others
to approve of your choice in treatment, whatever that may be. I recommend this
bc mostly people do not understand and actually give back negative feedback, which,
in turn only feeds your own fears. Whereas if you come to your own conclusions and
decisions, feeling secure about those choices is important and learning to rely on one’s
self is critical I think to self respect and self approval.

Finding security in one’s own heart is an incredibly gift, and I believe, an incredibly
powerful part of any treatment. Because much of what happens in chronic illness is
that one’s self respect and security is shattered. So, how does this get rebuilt? Well,
in part by getting better slowly and seeing that that is possible-that you can lead
a healthy balanced life once again. But, as important, is that seeing that you are
someone with the power to reason out a problem, come to a solution, and execute
that decision and see it through. This takes a tremendous amount of discipline, and tenacity,
that once achieved give you back a sense of power that serves to feed your self
esteem without which you cannot thrive emotionally, and perhaps physically. 

 So, I am not suggesting to bottle up your feelings and not share with a trusted
friend or loved one. But, choose carefully with whom you share your heart. Make 
sure that they hold your feelings as if holding a precious piece of crystal in the palm
of their hand and truly understand how easily that will break if they drop it. And, don’t
make IC your life. You are not IC! Do not wear it as a diagnosis or label that you must
announce when you come through a door. Hold your head up high as if you hadn’t a care
in the world. Because the energy you put out is energy that will come back to you. Be
your strength!