How do you cope?

I've read articles like this on The Mighty & other sites, and want to share my thoughts.

A lot of people ask me how do I cope with my illnesses.  The simple answer is - I have no choice.  But it goes further than that.
Friends & family have told me they admire me for carrying on with my old life to the best of my abilities;  That I don't let them consume me.

Chronic Illness sufferers are often referred to as warriors or fighters.  I personally hate these terms because I am not fighting anything.  I think this is key here.  I am not entering a fight with my body that I cannot win.  The only winner here is Chronic Illness, to fight against it is dangerous and in the long run will make you worse.

Acceptance, knowledge and pacing is what's got me this far.  My M.E specialist told me that 10% get worse, 80% stay the same and 10% get better. Whilst I would love to be a part of that 10% who's symptoms get better, I have to be realistic and aim for the 80% with the hope that one day I can be free of M.E.

There is no point being negative, I grieved for my old life for a year or so after being diagnosed, I thought why me?! But that thinking gets you nowhere.

I have moderate M.E (severe in a flare), my Fibromyalgia fluctuates daily, Kyphosis/Lordosis is said to be mild on paper, but doctors don't have to live with the pain I go through on a daily basis.  My curvature has also caused a herniated disc.  My tremors;  I have had since a kid and I have just got used to them, I barely notice them now until I have use a pen or hold a cup.  I can barely sign my name (it is different every time) and my handwriting is almost unreadable. As for a cup, I have one where the handle moves but the cup stays still.. Brilliant invention!  But for the most part people notice my shakes for than I do. 

I still have my interests prior to getting ill, I just can't do them as much anymore and not without help. I used to be very independent but now I am very dependent which has taken a long time to get used to. 
But I am very grateful for the things I can do.  Even though it takes everything out of me.  I have to pace myself for 2 weeks prior to an event.  I need to lay down regularly, find or take a seat, take 10 min rest breaks every 1-2 hours during a weekend event.  On day events I use my wheelchair or scooter.  And after I have to ride out the crash for however long it takes my body to recover (usually 2 weeks being severe, then another 2 weeks of needing several naps a day)
I use M.C.C (Motorbikers Cosmetic Company) holistic products on top of my medication.  I wouldn't be able to function without medication.

This is how I cope with chronic illness.  It sucks! I can tell you, but this is my life now.