I know that my thoughts sometimes hardly make any sense. I know they’re irrational. I know these things, I do. Yet, I can’t stop thinking them. They keep coming back. It’s like I’ll never be free.
Unilateral Dermatoheliosis.
This stunning image of a 69 year old shows the effects of sun exposure on premature aging of skin. The man was a truck driver for 28 years during which the sun predominantly shined onto his face through his left window.
Texas 4000 is one of the most amazing organizations I’ve ever heard of. Adriana, an incredible young woman with whom I had the privilege of doing cheerleading for two years, is participating in this 4000+ mile ride to from Austin, TX to Alaska this summer in an effort to raise awareness for cancer.
I feel myself slipping again and there’s not a thing I can do.
Kickass Kids of the Day: Craving a midweek pick-me-up? Perhaps in the form of a mini-hipster rendition of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend”?
Twelve- and 8-year-old sisters Lennon and Maisy — and their butter containers — have you covered. You’re welcome.
(via emulsification)
(via emmajayy)
(Source: nvrwanttogrowup)
“There’s a perception in our culture where if you’re ill, you’re damaged.”—
Mark Ruffalo (“Fresh Air” interview)
I have been told that I will have a hard time finding someone who will want to marry me because my illnesses make me nothing more than damaged goods.
(Source: solarstory)
I am never able to adequately describe my pain to people. I wrote this essay for my college applications this fall, and it’s the closest I’ve ever come to expressing my thoughts in words. (Interesting enough, the idea for this essay did come to me while I was on Vicodin.) In celebration of 1000 days of Occipital Neuralgia (chronic daily headache), I present: “Pain Personified.”
______________________________________________________________________
In the past, Pain had stealthily attempted to worm his way into my life with flirtatious actions and politesse. He customarily greeted me with kind words and warm embraces. However, his gentle facade quickly disappeared, revealing his caustic nature. Eventually, his visits ended in a cacophony of shouts and screams. “Good riddance!” I would exclaim, hoping never to see his face again.
Determined to wield his power and become my master, Pain devised a new plan. Realizing his strengths lay not in courtesy but rather in moral depravity, he decided to forgo the pleasantries. As I dreamed of a bright future, Pain dreamed of my demise. Had I had the prescience to foretell his return, I would have dead-bolted the doors and hidden far from his reach. Alas, I was given no warning.
Hands and feet bound, I woke up one dreary morning with Pain standing over me. He threatened to end my life if I did not allow him to permanently reside in my house. Initially, I hoped ignoring him would make him disappear; no success. I tried to plead and bargain with Pain; my efforts were futile. The longer he stayed, the more frustrated I became. As he attempted to stifle my happiness, I attempted to suffocate him with prescription medications, steroid injections, and even surgery. Nothing could loosen Pain’s tenacious grip on my life.
It has been two years since my adversary barged into my house and enfettered me in chains of excruciating pain. My neurologist refers to him with fancy titles such as Occipital Neuralgia or Chronic Daily Headache, but to me, he is nothing more than Pain. He is the unwelcome presence that sends shooting pains through the nerves in my head. He is the nuisance that sends pangs of nausea and dizziness throughout my body. As much as I loathe his presence, Pain is my companion.
I once inquired, “Why did you choose me?”
With a devilish twinkle in his eye, Pain retorted, “Why not?”
In that moment, I realized Pain was an indiscriminate sadist. He did not choose me for my age, race, or gender; he chose me simply because I was an available prey. He thought he could break me; yet, I have only grown stronger.
I frequently remind myself that no hay mal que por bien no venga - there is no bad from which good does not come. Although Pain has robbed me of much, he has also enhanced my life. Pain reminds me daily that there are some things I cannot control; I have learned to be flexible and focus my energy on those things which I can impact. His pertinacity has taught me to fight relentlessly to achieve my goals. Pain has left an indelible mark on my life, but he cannot and will not change the essence of who I am. Although he must live with me, he cannot control me. I am a strong individual and I will never let Pain become my master.
(Source: arztriper, via ayoungpadawan)
¿Por qué a mi?, me he preguntado cientos de veces.
¿Por qué no a mi? me he respondido tantas otras.
you know in like 20 or 30 years or so theres gonna be a section in history books dedicated to this time period where gays were fighting for their right to marry and suffering from discrimination
and the kids learning about it in class are going to be disgusted by the mere fact that gays had to even try to fight for what was rightfully theirs
(Source: bloodchambers, via yep-its-michelle)
