“What has your chronic illness changed for the better?”
When my therapist asked me this question, I was baffled. I knew that my therapist dealt with a pretty serious chronic illness, so instead of rolling my eyes, I trusted she knew what she was asking. So, I processed the question thoughtfully.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am going to ask you the same question. How are you thankful for your chronic illness? It’s a tough question, right? But, it is important to find some good in the bad.
Here are some examples to get you thinking!
- My Chronic Illness made me more willing to ask for help.
- I started to pay attention to and appreciating small moments.
- I’ve been able to connect with people I never would have known through social media.
- I’ve started a new business based on Chronic Illness.
- Chronic Illness taught me to advocate for myself and speak up even when it is scary.
- I started a new hobby to help cope with my Chronic Illness.
- My Chronic Illness has made me a more compassionate and empathetic person.
- Chronic Illness made me slow down.
- I celebrate small victories and accomplishments.
- I no longer take my health for granted.
For me, I am grateful my Fibromyalgia has allowed me to be less of a control freak. I used to like many things done a certain way and I thought the only way they would be done right was if I did them myself. Now, there are so many things I am unable to do myself and I have learned to let go of the control and just be grateful I have people in my life who are willing to help me.
Remember, you don’t have to be happy about having a life-changing illness or condition. It may however, help you to think about how it has changed your life for the better even if it has overall changed it for the worse. Take some time to reflect, it may not come easy, but I promise you will be able to think of at least one thing for which you can thank your chronic condition.
Happy Thanksgiving!
