When I first started visiting Lyme message boards, I couldn't help but notice....everyone was green. Not "green" environmentally, green physically. There were green hairdos, green sneakers, green faces, green glasses, green ribbons. Everywhere I looked...green, green, green.
Painting your photo the color of algae is cool in the Lyme world. It's also something I didn't get right away. "Why would people constantly want to be reminded of their illness?" I questioned, sometimes out loud. "Is that even healthy?"
Now, having been around a bit--as both a spectator and a participant--I understand. It's not just a cry for attention. It's not just a way of getting sympathy. It's not just an awareness tool. It's a way to recognize: who's on your team, who's your ally, who knows what you are going through (something critical when you spend most of your time on line talking to strangers).
Yesterday, I friended so many Facebook Lymies, I literally got blocked from using my messaging service (damn you, spam blocker...shaking fist at the sky). The only way I even found these folks was by the slime peeking out of their photos (which I was grateful for). Based on that, today I updated my profile pic to reflect my own "undiagnosed" status...something a Lymie will definitely understand.
My motivation? One part necessity, one part awareness, and 100 billion parts LOVE. Even if I don't have Lyme, these are the people who keep me going.
Psst....May is Lyme Awareness month. What makes you green? Pass it on.
Altered Today: FB photo, friendships (thanks Saima), and compassion.
can't wait to see you. I just picked up, "you can heal your life" by louise hay. I know it's one of those books "everyone's already read" in the alternative world.. it was recommended to me by a friend yesterday after i mentioned I wake up with a tummy ache every day and I've gotten used to not having any energy. Lisa read me the first chapter last night - I think it will be useful.
Posted by: Saimz | 04/26/2011 at 05:44 AM
Bring it with you! When I first got sick, I found a seminar of hers online and watched the whole thing...It was a four part series. Have to see if I can find it for you. It was very, very, very interesting. I even tried to track her down to see if I could consult with her. She doesn't do personal consultations any more.
Posted by: KTag | 04/26/2011 at 09:21 AM
I LOVE this pic of you!
Posted by: Lisa | 04/06/2013 at 01:19 AM