Chronic illness has helped me become a better person than I was before in ways that I would never go back and change. Ever heard the expression "trial by fire"? Well, that fire can refine us into something as good as gold. Something valuable. Helping us reach a higher standard of human and spiritual existence. The changes were simple at first. Initially, I started feeling greater empathy, especially toward family, friends and even strangers that were struggling with illness. I knew from my own experience what they were going through in their personal trials and was able to be more understanding and helpful to them. Gradually and over time I realized that my own personal capacity for dealing with pain and suffering had increased dramatically. I was able to "endure" more than I ever thought I could. This gave me the confidence I needed to face new challenges. Finally, chronic illness forced me to overcome my own sense of pride and reach out to others for help when I really needed it the most. This has resulted in great blessings for me and my family in learning how to "receive".
I'm not perfect. And I'm not always grateful. Recently, after an especially difficult day, I complained on my Twitter feed that I was struggling with pain and stiffness from my arthritis. Just after I posted, someone I follow posted this tweet:
"Tomorrow I have to go get labs done to prep for my rheumy app. Blah. But at least I have health insurance to pay for it!!"This immediately changed my perspective! How could I be so blind? It was true. I too had health insurance and I was certainly grateful for it. I loved that although she was not excited about her tests, she still managed to be grateful! I immediately tweeted back that I admired her attitude. She responded:
"I try 2 believe that no matter what, good things r in my life. I can't always see the good but I have to trust it is there."
Now that is cultivating gratitude!
When I was diagnosed with UC and admitted to the hospital, the only empty bed they had for me was in the cancer ward. I was the luckiest person on the floor!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight & lessons I have learned from your posts.
ReplyDeleteAll of this is so true. I have friends who are perfectly healthy and complain about what (to me) seem the pettiest things. They don't see how good they have it because they don't have the perspective we do. I would love to go back to total health with the perspective I now have, but seeing as I can't I try to impart some perspective to some of these friends, but they can't grasp it, so I let it go. Too bad there is so much worry over petty things until we get sick or injured and only THEN do we get the perspective. I guess it's human nature. Great article. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteIt's our most difficult trials that bring an opportunity for true gratitude, I agree. For me, it hasn't come in illness, but in unemployment and financial stress for the past three or so years. We've been working for 2 years, but still have not been able to get out of a tremendous debt and reach up above the rabbit hole. And yet, as I see others around me going through unemployment, I feel an empathy and love for them that I never knew was in me. I know exactly what they're going through. This kind of love and compassion comes only through experience. And for that, I'm grateful.
ReplyDeleteThis is all so true. I love your choice of words with "having to seek out gratitude". It's not always easy and takes some work and recognition on your own part.
ReplyDeleteDo you like to read at all for inspiration? I have come across this book: Beloved Spirit http://glitteratiincorporated.com/agency.php?view=pub&rid=1702. The poetry collection is inspiring and sometimes helps.....
Thank you for this great post.
I have suffered with Hypermobility Syndrome for over ten years and am making frustratingly slow and steady progress This is as a result of refraining from some activities. I have now reached a point where there are gaps in pain now and I am so grateful for it! For years I have practiced mindful awareness which has helped me recognise how I am moving my body and the stresses and strains on different parts. This has helped a lot with pain management. I now practice Transcendental Meditation and have an awareness practice. I have more love and am kinder to myself than I have ever been and this is helping me feel a lot of empathy and understanding for others and it grows and grows! I am so grateful for the support of my family, friends and those who have taught me along the way. The most important things to know are that we are all responsible for our own well-being, to ALWAYS be kind to yourself (no guilt, no shame - it doesn't get you anywhere but down!) and if you really want support and ask for it - it is here for you in every moment.
ReplyDeletefrom Zazzibee.
What a great post! I have to confess that I raised an eyebrow when I considered feeling grateful for a chronic illness, rather than in spite of it, but you're absolutely right about becoming a stronger, kinder and more 'aware' person as a result of living with chronic illness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight!
Jo (@jorawstron)
www.everydaywishes.blogspot.com
I agree that so much can be learned from chronic illness if you come to that place of gratitude like you have. I've been sick for 10 years and I know it's not always easy to stay in that frame of mind. But I also feel like it is an odd gift, like you say, to be able to look at the world with more compassionate eyes for ourselves and then for others.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Peter. A positive attitude certainly changes one's entire outlook on life. What a difference it makes. I also find it's very important not to surround yourself with (or even spend time with) negative people. This can be very hard, especially if you have some in your family. Life is too short to waste it on negativity.
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