Trying to focus on the positive aspects of being chronically ill is not always easy... Actually it isn't really ever easy.... But when you DO think of a positive aspect of being sick, it's a good idea to write it down.
Keep it in a journal, keep it on a list that you carry around with you in your wallet or purse, just make sure that it is written down and can be easily accessed.
This evening, I thought of one of those positive effects of being chronically ill: Illness has allowed me (maybe 'forced' is a better word) to achieve a high sense of self-awareness - on several levels.
When you are forced to focus on every single minute detail of what you are feeling within every system of your body, as well as paying attention to every tiny change in status, you become accustomed to it. Suddenly, assessing your pain and symptom severity with a fine-tooth comb becomes second-nature.
This self-awareness helps with risk-taking, knowing your body's limitations, avoiding stimuli that have previously caused negative reactions, and (most importantly) knowing how to manage your own health at home, EVEN when dealing with debilitating pain and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Rather than having to see the doctor for every new symptom that could be considered severe, this self-awareness allows me to be more objective and have a more efficient and calm approach to something serious and frightening.
Positive improvements in one's life because of illness can seem far-fetched, but when you begin to write down every little 'silver lining', it does pile up. This is important to keep in mind and have physically written down somewhere for those down days and tough flares.
Finding the lighter sides of medical situations doesn't have to be monumental, the silver linings just need to be there, however small.
Here are some of the 'positive' aspects that I have experienced that can be attributed to being chronically ill:
- I get to spend way more time with my puppy.
- I have a damn good poker face from pretending to be 'fine' all of the time.
- I had to learn how to do my hair and makeup in insanely short timeframes.
- I know where many of the best washrooms are located in public places (which are kinda hidden) and therefore don't always have to wait in large lineups at busy functions.
- Since being on Prednisone, it caused some permanent changes to my body that I LIKE (which is rare), and one particular change is that my hair has more thickness and volume to it.
- I have had so many unintended weight fluctuations that I have accumulated a pretty huge wardrobe.
- I know which hospitals have the most comfortable beds and fast-track waiting areas.
- I have had to find addresses in every part of the city for appointments, so I really know my way around.
- When I watch shows like House or Grey's Anatomy, I actually know what they are talking about (for the most part).
- I have an overall understanding of the ingredients in certain products, even the ones that I can't quite pronounce.
- I have close relationships with my family and friends, who have all been beyond supportive.
- I have had to handle a lot on my own, so being independent is not all that scary or intimidating.
- The pains and symptoms that people normally experience much later in life will be old news to me... Maybe I won't even notice a big change once I hit my fifties!?
- I am supposed to go for relatively frequent massages because of certain conditions (oh darn!)
- I may need to use a walker sometimes, but at least when I have to use my cane or walker, I get prime parking!
- I have had to see so many nutritionists and dieticians that I am relatively well-versed in food choices that are healthy for me specifically.
- I am used to going on clear-fluid or full-fluid diets, so I have pretty great will-power when I am trying to watch my weight.
- I can get changed and unchanged at lightning speed from all of the gowns I have had to change into for appointments.
- I do have some self-image issues, but I have learned that loving how my body FEELS is much more important than loving how my body LOOKS.
- Keeping up with my illness helps me find better ways to adapt to change and has increased my resourcefulness.
- I have become more compassionate and more empathetic in some ways.
- I take pride in appreciating some of the smallest things in life.
- I have learned what true friendship actually feels like.
- I have become a stronger person.
- I have all sorts of cool and hilariously embarrassing stories to share.
- My natural nails are so brittle and painful that it is almost necessary to get gel nails done on a regular basis.
- I had to learn how to cook fast and delicious meals.
- I know some amazingly effective tricks to reduce dark circles and puffy eyes, to hide looking pale or 'green', and to avoid looking as tired and crappy as I feel.
- I have some pretty rare talents (like being able to take down 15 pills at once with one gulp of water, cracking just about every joint in my body, being a pro at scope prep, etc....)
PLUS
Probably most importantly...
Most impressive...
I know the SECRET - without scissors of any kind- to quickly and painlessly remove these bad boys:
Oh yeah.
That's right.
These types of arm bands are a piece of cake once you know their weakness.
😉
Being sick sucks. There are no two ways about it. But if you can find the time and commit to TRYING to find the positive effects, it might surprise you how many you can come up with... And humor can be an extremely powerful coping mechanism.