Dear Diary,
“How are you feeling?”
It sounds like a simple question. Most days, I give the simple answer: “I’m fine.”
Sometimes I am. Other times, “I’m fine” means I’m tired, something hurts, or I’m struggling—and I don’t know if the person asking is ready for the whole answer.
When you live with chronic illness, you learn to edit yourself. You say “a little tired” when you’re exhausted. You say “I need a minute” when your body is asking you to stop. You smile through a conversation because explaining every symptom would take longer than the conversation itself.
I don’t think people mean to make honesty difficult. They may care deeply and still have no idea what to say when the answer is complicated. But I’ve watched concern turn into discomfort, and suddenly I’m reassuring them that I’m okay.
“I’m fine” is sometimes the answer I give when I don’t have the energy to explain why I’m not.
Downplaying my symptoms doesn’t make them disappear. It just means I’m carrying them quietly.
I want to practice being honest without feeling responsible for making my truth easier for everyone else. Maybe that starts with a smaller, more accurate answer: “Today is hard.” No full explanation. No apology. Just the truth.
And if I do say “I’m fine,” I hope the people who love me can make room for the real answer whenever I’m ready to share it.
🎵 Music Playing: “The Joke” — Brandi Carlile
💭 Reflection Corner: I’m allowed to tell the truth about how I feel, even when that truth makes a conversation less comfortable.
Have you ever said “I’m fine” because explaining how you really felt seemed too exhausting?
💜 Thank You for Reading
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Until next time…
Kia Lorice 💜
Founder • Author • Advocate • Future Wellness Coach
The Dual Diagnosis Diaries 💜
www.thedualdiagnosisdiaries.com
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