Over the years, I’ve
had many people comment that their illness/injury, or that of their family
member or friend, turned out to be a gift. They generally start off by saying,
“this may sound sick or weird, but...”
If you are recently
diagnosed with a chronic condition, you may read this and quickly dismiss it as
being a bunch of “Pollyanna B.S.” If you can stand to read a little more, below
is a list of benefits that people have related to me or I’ve experienced
myself. Please add your positives in the comment section or e-mail them to
margoc@tds.net
• Being mindful
and living in the present, not in fear of the future or dwelling on the past. When we settle into the present moment, we can see
beauties and wonders right before our eyes—a newborn baby, the sun rising in
the sky. Thich Nhat Hanh
• Being forced
to slow down and “smell the roses.” “I get a lot more out of each day now.”
• “I never
would have retired preferring to ‘die in the saddle’ so to speak. I had to stop
working because I couldn’t do it anymore. It’s been wonderful. Our marriage is
much stronger and I’ve been able to participate in activities with my kids and
now grandchildren that I would have missed out on. I don’t like being sick, but
I do appreciate the benefits.”
• “ I had to let go
of what I thought my life was and accept what it is. It’s much better than I
would have ever imagined.” We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to
accept the one that is waiting for us. Joseph Campbell
• Developing a
better sense of priorities. “I stopped sweating the small stuff. Things that
could make me crazy don’t bother me anymore. I know what’s really important
now.”
• “People can
live with out me, so I now take time to do what I love not what I think is
expected of me. “
• “I eat better,
exercise more and I actually feel better then I have in a long time.” A
diagnosis can be an important wake up call to take better care of yourself.
• Learning who
your true friends are. In terms of dating, it’s a “jerk barometer.” “If they
reject you because of your diagnosis they most likely wouldn’t have been
suitable in the first place.”
• It’s brought
our family closer. Reconnected with family and friends
• Provides an
opportunity to meet new people and for some new careers.
• “I now have a
meaningful purpose in my life.”
• Talking to
others with my condition has shown me that I don’t have it so bad.
• “The world
outside my window has been a marvelous place to explore. I never knew what was
there.”
• In her article 11Tips from 11 Years Sick, the author Toni Bernhard writes about an exercise
where she wrote down the benefits of being sick. Four of her 12 reasons
included: I don’t answer to an alarm clock; I’m never stuck in traffic; I have the
perfect excuse to avoid events I don’t want to attend; my “To Do” list is very
short.
Make your own list. It may surprise you.
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