Saint Patrick's Day post

Happy Saint Patrick's Day guys! Hope you're having a good time - not much partying going on here! Frankly, I'm rather exhausted today. I could say it's due to the vigorous workouts this week, or simply from carrying so much extra weight or even not being so young anymore. I'm sure that would sound plausible, but it wouldn't be the truth. Although those things are contributing factors, the main cause of the exhaustion is a serious and debilitating chronic fatigue disorder - just needed to say that today. I don't want to hit people over the head with my medical issues, but sometimes I really need to emphasize just how profound of an impact that has on my life. I think I sometimes give the impression that I live a somewhat casual and relatively carefree lifestyle - especially since I'm not working. Although it is in my nature to always have a cheerful outlook and a child-like heart, every task I do, even the fun stuff, is so much harder than it was before the illness. I take it in stride because my overall goal is to make the best of life. Part of my motivation for this post is that I want those close to me to better know who I am, so that we can truly be close (duh! ;). But a big reason for this post is to illuminate what so many people with similar "invisible illnesses" are going through... so often made to feel that their physical issues are the result of character flaws, bad outlook, laziness, etc. when the simple truth is that they have an overwhelming medical condition that they can't ignore, wish away, or just "put behind them." Although the world often pressures them to "stop complaining" or "quit having a pity party!" the truth is that generally they're not looking for sympathy, but simply respect, a little validation, a little understanding... and perhaps more than anything else acceptance that what they are dealing with is real - and that if they could, they would flip a switch and have the illness be gone and never mention it again... Love you guys and I feel so blessed that I can share "heavy stuff" like this with you! :)