#straelynndrake

Have you tried yoga? Yes, and more. Have you tried turmeric? Yes, and more. Have you tried aspirin? Yes, and more. Have you tried sunlight? Yes, and more.

Yes, I have tried… Occupational therapy, Pain management, Positive thinking, Physical therapy, Essential oils, Acupuncture, Meditation, Ointments, Exercising, Injections, Vitamins, Massage, Steroids, Resting, Braces, Wraps, Herbs, Reiki, Heat, Ice, …and more.

You can't comprehend this type of pain, unless you have felt it as well.

There have been times I was so desperate for a moment of relief I might've eaten dog poop if I thought it would have helped.

So, please stop asking if I have tried…

by @straelynndrake

This poem is open. If you live with chronic pain, chronic illness, or invisible disability, feel free to reblog and add your own “Have you tried…?” and what you’ve tried.

CW: Chronic pain, invisible illness, medical trauma, mild bodily function mention (bathroom)

I struggle to walk, get dressed, get out of the car, close my car door, put my purse on my shoulder. Even wiping after the bathroom requires strategy, stretching, sometimes tears.

I am unable to finish laundry, wash the dishes, or vacuum the floor.

I cannot wear my favorite clothing, shoes, or jewelry. I decide to not waste what little precious energy to apply makeup.

My knuckles are deformed swollen and red. I have lost my voice for the fifth time this year. I spend hundreds of dollars on items that may or may not help.

I wince with pain when reaching for something. I pick up my coffee mug with both hands trying to calm the trembling caused by the ache. I take twice as long to complete chores and tasks.

You look away. You do not notice. You tell me to hurry up. You accuse me of being lazy. You tell me I look like a slob.

I don't look sick because you choose not to see.

by @straelynndrake

When people say “you don’t look sick,” they’re not complimenting you. They’re denying everything they don’t want to see.

Time flows washing away the grit of memories long overdue, smoothing edges of hurtful words received in anger, corroding barricades erected to protect.

But time also feeds allowing for growth to stand as strong as an oak tree, blooming ideas into existence, spreading passions through life. Cultivating a legacy to be remembered through time.

CW: self image

Don't believe the lies of the glass, backed in silver.

This is not you.

Only a reflection of untruths— critiques wrapped in love, abuse disguised as motivation, cruelty masked as honesty.

What you see is a mirage, warped by the insecurities, jealousy, and regrets of others.

The looking glass does not show your worth. Your value. Your truth.

So don’t believe the lies you see before you.

Which BLUE do you like? You must like BLUE. Choose any BLUE you want.

Periwinkle Cerulean Azure Navy Indigo

Fifty years of BLUE.

But, what if? What if I don't like BLUE. What if…

I like PINK? Do I like PINK? I think I prefer PINK.

Blush Fuchsia Magenta Rose Mauve

Beautiful shades of PINK kept behind closed doors. I'm coming out. So, I choose PINK!

Balcony wildlife Seeds and nuts attract critters Protected from harm

Fields of nectar bloom Winged royal drones come to feast Weeds are the bee's knees