'Giving up' vs 'Accepting'

As a person with chronic health conditions/disabilities I am often told that a) I need to accept my condition, and b) I mustn't give up.

This isn't as simple as it sounds!

If I accept that my body has limits, then try to live within those limits, 'encouraging' people tell me I shouldn't give up.

If I ignore the limits and don't give up on an activity I am told I have to accept my condition and not be in denial.

I can't win.

So I redefined 'accept'
= be realistic about what to expect from my body. Recognise what after-effects will be caused by doing certain activities, likely recovery time etc. and come up with ways to minimise the after-effects, and make sensible judgements whether to do, do adapted, or not do. And constantly 'update' my expectations based on experience - not other peoples opinions.

And redefine 'Give up'
= stop looking for things I can do. Stop enjoying what I can do. Stop actively managing my condition (physio, diet, meds, pacing etc.). Stop giving my boundaries the occasional POKE to see if they've moved or can be made to move. Stop being positive about my future as a whole (i.e. beyond my condition - encompassing family, friends, happiness, hobbies, work, church etc. etc.)

And TADAAA!

I can now accept and not give up.

You may not notice it - it is easy to mistake sensible long term choices for giving up - but they aren't. And just as easy to think 'Denial' when you see me take a calculated risk. Actually I may have thought it all out and reckon there should be no long term negative effects - and the short terms ones are worth it.