Gives me Hope, pt. three of many

*A health care bill passed.
*A president who seems to have decided that the health care bill was the most important thing he could do as president of the United States.
*The woman I just started seeing, who, among other things, is great about making cuddling work despite the challenges of my pain.
*My fabulous friends.
*Medications that do, at least sometimes, help.

What gives you hope?

Working on remembering the good things

I'm feeling a little stressed and upset, so I thought I would post some things that have been making me happy.

• The song "Hide and Seak" by Imogen Heap (This YouTube video has the song and lyrics. Or you can find the lyrics here.)
• An online world of friends and people who understand what it's like to be constantly ill and in pain. And who help me cope and live better.
  
• Learning. Seriously, I love learning new things :)
• Feminism and feminists :)
• My best friend for starting a conversation about disability and telling me that I am not making up the hurt I feel. (Dear self-doubt, my friends will help me defeat you.)
• Lauredhel at Feminists with Disabilities decided to include two of my posts in the recommended reading posts last week.
• I am watching Un Long Dimanche de fiancailles (A Very Long Engagement) tomorrow night with friends. Love that movie!

Gives me Hope, part one of many

So thanks to Annie, I recently found a website called Gives Me Hope. So here are some things that give me hope.

1. My doctor who, among other things, lets me email her as often as I want, asks about my life, and helps make sure I can afford my treatment.
   
2. The specialist who, a year ago, offered to treat me for a decreased rate so that I could afford it.
3. My roommate who (despite not having severe chronic pain) is always willing to listen to me talk about disableism, understands more about it than most fairly-healthy people, and is willing to admit that she doesn't know everything about chronic illness and disability.
4. My other best friend, wh0 is always there to listen to me, take me to medical appointments and who has done more than I can say for me.
5. People who deal with my health problems in a way that makes me feel respected and happy.
6. Friends made online.
7. People who laugh with me at my health jokes.
   
8. Chronicbabe.com
9. Feminists with disabilities