I decided to enter.
Each individual is allowed to enter more than once - so I did.
Of course my first thought about what my individual art would be is singing. Any kind of music, really. Singing and piano and providing music.
Another entry I wrote about the art of staying positive. The art of humor. The art of trying to see the lighter side of every situation - no matter how difficult.
There are going to be tons of applicants... So I'm not sure how great my chances are... But I thought I would try.
In each of my entries I do mention the illnesses that I have been diagnosed with, some specific struggles that I have faced, and some of the more popular jokes and humorous ways that my family and myself have used as coping mechanisms.
Now being 'optimistic' and 'positive' are not necessarily seen as 'artistic' or any kind of specific 'talent'. What I would like the public to understand is that finding humor in some of these awful and crazy and painful situations is not easy. Well, it's easier NOW... But it absolutely IS a talent. It takes practice, dedication, and daily reminders.
I remember some days when I had to specifically write down one good thing that happened that day. Something even as small as that the sun was shining... Or maybe the lotion I put on smelled really good... Or that I puked less. There were days when I could only think of the smallest thing - but I would still write it down. That was coping. Finding SOMETHING good in each day - no matter how bad things were.
Now I have said several times that I consider myself lucky with many things. So right now I could write pages of amazing things in my life. Pages of people and feelings and things that I an thankful for (good thing Thanksgiving is coming up).... But it's not as if it's easy.
It had to be a conscious decision every single day.
Some days I would wake up and not want to move, not want to talk to anyone, not want to do anything at all. Some days I had to force myself to get out of bed, force myself to eat, force myself to just get up and go to the washroom.
Do you know what it is like to be so down and out that one of the thoughts that goes through your mind is that you don't even want to physically get up to walk to the bathroom just to go to the washroom? That you would prefer to lie in bed and let it happen? Have you ever been that desperate.... That hopeless?
I have.
If you've met me, you may find it hard to believe. It's true though.
What is more shocking is that back then I wasn't even in half the pain that I am in these days. The good thing is that by PRACTICING positivity every day, I now have better skills on how to cope. I have a better understanding on what I need to do for myself to stay on top of things, to stay connected to that silver lining that's always there. And it is ALWAYS there... No matter how small.. There is always something good in every situation. You just have to be brave enough to look for it... And to keep looking for it every single day.
That is an art.
Perseverance is an art.
Survival is an art.
Adaptation is an art.
Optimism is an art.
None of these are easy and they all take time and dedication - but they are all achievable by anyone. :)
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