Expectations

    I recently read a blog post someone had shared.  It resonated with this person's current life situation and so they shared it.  As I read through it, I realized that while it spoke to this person and of this person, it did not take into account the greater audience of them.  

     I struggle, constantly, with others' expectations of me -- what they feel I should be doing for me, for my family, for my church, for my community and what I am actually capable of doing.  It's a constant struggle between doing enough, explaining (and having them understand!) why I can't do more and even having them even acknowledge I am chronically ill and keeping my health in check.    

      I would like to tell these people -- Please understand.  I need to take care of me, so that I am well enough to care for my family.  If I don't care for my family, nobody else will.  Not the people of my community, not the people of my church....nobody.  I learned this the hard way and believe me, it was a hard lesson to learn.

      So, I am sorry - not sorry if you feel we do not live up to your expectations of what we should be doing.  Perhaps a change of perspective and a clear, unobstructed look into our lives would help you better understand?  I'm not sure but suffice to say, chronically ill people are doing more, a lot more, than anyone realizes.  Many times, they still extend themselves above and beyond what they are physically capable of.  It may not look or feel that way but believe me, it is.  

      Moving forward to Balance....Despite the Chaos!