{"id":1772,"date":"2015-08-15T20:27:02","date_gmt":"2015-08-15T20:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/gooddaysbaddays\/?p=1772"},"modified":"2015-08-02T20:38:09","modified_gmt":"2015-08-02T20:38:09","slug":"chronic-illness-shapes-and-sizes-oh-my","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/gooddaysbaddays\/2015\/08\/chronic-illness-shapes-and-sizes-oh-my.html","title":{"rendered":"Chronic Illness: Shapes and Sizes, Oh, My!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Image<\/a>
Image courtesy of Keattikorn\/FreeDigitalPhotos.net<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is it with dress sizes these days? Over the past few weeks, I have fit into a size 4, 6, 8, and even a large with equal ease! I am completely befuddled as to what my “true” size is, and only know that sometimes, I’m delighted (a 4!) and sometimes shake my head (a large?!)<\/p>\n

I’ve read that the “average” size for a woman in the U.S. is a “10.” Which equates to a “medium” someplaces and a “large” others. I’ve also read that we’re becoming heavier in general, so I wonder if, in the near future, that “10” will become a “12,” and in some dressing room somewhere, I’ll discover that I need an “extra-large” in one style and a “petite 4” in another?!<\/p>\n

All that being said, clothing sizes and illness pose great challenges for many of us. Often, the size depends upon what medication we’re on and whether or if we’ve been able to keep up with our exercise regimen (doctor-ordered, of course). I know some lupies who keep one set of clothing for one scenario, and another for another. It could be very easy to exhaust a budget and run out of closets!<\/p>\n

And then, of course, there is the problem of sizes…Which, perhaps, we are too fixated on. Perhaps we should, actually, be thinking of shape – the shape of our lives and the comfort we have in our own skin, even if we have a serious illness.<\/p>\n

Perhaps, it’s not so much that post-prednisone we’re slimming down than it is that we strive for health – in body, mind and spirit – however that health presents itself. We can always cinch up a waist with a belt or add a lovely scarf to a stretchy top.<\/p>\n

I suppose we can always move up a size or down…And still be able to laugh!<\/p>\n

Peace,<\/p>\n

Maureen<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is it with dress sizes these days? Over the past few weeks, I have fit into a size 4, 6, 8, and even a large with equal ease! 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She expected to be writing scripts. God had other plans. A few years after her graduation, Maureen was diagnosed with a life-threatening case of organ-involved lupus. Her life turned upside down as she grappled with the effects of the illness and other health conditions that ensued. She was no stranger to serious health challenges; even as a child, Maureen had survived numerous bouts of pneumonia, flu, and other infections. But lupus made her take a fresh look at her life goals - and took herlifelong, strong Catholic Christian faith and writing in a direction she'd never imagined. Today, Maureen writes and speaks about walking with the Lord while living with chronic pain and illness. Her most recent book is \"Don't Panic!: How to Keep Going When the Going Gets Tough (Franciscan Media). She is also the author of, \"Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness\" (Image Books\/Randomhouse), \"Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy\" (Twenty-Third Publications), \"The First Year: Hypothyroidism, Second Edition\" (Perseus) and \"Taking Charge of Lupus: How to Manage the Disease and Make the Most of Your LIfe.\" She writes the syndicated column, \"Living Well,\" for Catholic News Service, and has also written for Saint Anthony Messenger Magazine, Journey for Women Magazine, The Upper Room Magazine, LupusNow, and Arthritis Today. Maureen's health continues to be a challenge, however she feels honored to be able to bring her perspective, from experience and knowledge, to others. \"Good Days...Bad Days with Maureen Pratt\" is a new way for Maureen to reach people who carry the burden of illness and pain in their lives, or who care for someone who does. 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