Redefining “Fine”

People ask about my health a lot.  It makes sense, I write about it on a regular basis, stand out in social gatherings because of what I’m eating (or more likely not eating), and in this season of my life experience more bad days than good.

As important as I believe it is to raise awareness about celiac disease, there comes a point where I just don’t want to talk about it anymore.

And while I know that much of this will never go away, I’m ready for the day when I can just be Alysa, not “Alysa the girl who can’t eat anything and always feels bad”.

I’m ready to answer the question, “How are you?” with the word “fine” and meaning it.

I’m looking forward to the day when I’m not defined by my disease.

So from this point forward, if I’m feeling better than horrible, I’ll tell you I’m feeling fine.  It may be a different kind of fine than it was before, but that’s ok.

I’m redefining “fine”.

photo by Daniel C. White

  • teri@managedmacros September 24, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    It’s Fine to be Fine. I am Fine too. Nice to meet you. 🙂 In this outside world of virtual ‘friends’ I see you as a very smart, passionate person who is dedicated and driven with her cause and love of food and life. “The poor girl who can’t eat anything and always feels bad” I don’t know her, that’s not the story I am reading. Take care Alysa. Get on with your Fine self!

  • Sassy Celiac September 24, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Great post, and very relatable. Try as I might, it always seems to end up the topic of conversation. Which, as you mentioned, is sometimes fine, and I appreciate the interest and concern, but sometimes I just don’t want to talk about it anymore. As I continue to struggle with my health, I now dread the “how are you doing?” question. I answer with things like, “Hangin’ in there”, “Still kickin”, “Not too bad”, “Okay”. I don’t want to be negative, but it’s also frustrating when you say you’re, “Fine” and then someone thinks, “Oh, I’m glad you’re feeling better”. Errrr, but I’m NOT. And yes, just as your and my tired is different than most people’s tired…your fine is different than other people’s fine, and different than what your fine once was. But that’s “fine” 😉

  • Jillian {Her Split Ends} September 24, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Good for you girl! I unfortunately spend more time feeling eh’ then i would like to admit, and although i haven’t quite figured out what it is that doesn’t agree with me…i’m working on it. I hope that your “fine” continues to get better and that you are able to continue this journey without people bugging you! 😉

    Cheers
    ~ Jillian
    http://www.hersplitends.com

  • Jeff Bajenaru September 24, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    You will always be fine as in, “Wow…my wife is fine!” I love you!

  • Ali Morris November 3, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    Great post, I like it 🙂 Making your own rules about it, we have to sometimes! 🙂