Sometimes, there are unseen heroes in life, however mine so happens to be my invisible illness. I have learned so much over the course of nearly five years, but these are the biggest things that probably saved me from giving up from all of the pressures of society.

5. I am stronger than I think I am.

When life hit me hard, I was going to online school and then soon going back to my original Cecostomy tube. I was lower than low! However, I had the ability to pick myself back up soon after. When you get back on your feet after about thirty uppercuts to your dignity—it is indisputably hard. But, I still managed to stay on track at school and my job.

4. Happiness can be found, even when life is rough.

As a sufferer, I have learned to celebrate the small victories. Whether my medication worked that day, if it’s sunny outside, if I have a great day at work. I have had the tendency to be negative before things went even more downhill, but overall that just made me worse. When you are sick, little things matter more to you. I love my share of funny YouTube videos, Buzzfeed lists and even those simple things make me smile when I am down.

3. Ignore the “You don’t look sick.”

Surrounding yourself with people who do not accept your illness is rough. There are stigmas where people are not educated about certain illnesses, which is understandable, but when you explain your illness—and they take it as a joke? You do not need that negativity when you are already battling day to day as it is.

2. Take better care of myself.

Forever, I was in denial of my illness—which made myself so much worse. I am probably my own worst critic, constantly pushing myself to the next limit, and that was the worst thing for me. Sometimes I push too far, but that leads me to try mentally and physically fixing myself. This can be a lot to handle sometimes. I hate to admit it, but taking it easy sometimes is the best thing for me.

1. I am not my Laproscopic Cecostomy Tube Placement.

I am not my tube. I am Erin Marie Whitten! A dreamer, college student, a sister, a daughter, a Dunkin Donuts’ employee, a writer, a SNHUdent and most of all, a fighter!