I have had epilepsy since I was two years old, yes I was diagnosed at the age of two! Now at 42 (eew!) I can say that although I don't know it all when it comes to my medical condition, one that I share with over 2 million people in the US alone, I have learned one thing: how to say the word ''epilepsy'' in conversation.

It may seem ridiculous that I found it difficult, even impossible around family, friends, doctors to say ''that'' word. But in doing so I was making it official; sealing the deal. I simply referred to it as ''it'', or would say ''seizure disorder''. Somehow to me it sounded better, less threatening.

There were many steps along the way that helped clear the path and enabled me to express who I really was, without fear of reprisal or discrimination. The bottom line is you have to stick your neck out sometime: with a friend, at church, with family, in the doctor's office (btw, a good place to practice!) The people around you will take YOUR lead, feel YOUR energy, so bone up on the facts, be ready to answer questions, and find your right time.

In my case, there were friends that already knew that I was epileptic, and didn't care, so I was worrying over nothing. IMO, people earn the right to such personal information, and some just don't need to know. Trust is paramount: you don't want your best friend making a promise she can't keep about not telling anyone, so be careful...and be yourself.

You will discover that once people know, and still treat you like the same it will be worth a temporary case of the jitters. And those relationships will be the strongest you will ever have - because they are based in TRUTH.