On Health

We all have seasons of great health and well-being. We rarely feel aches and pains, despite the odd hangover. But as you move through life, you eventually run into the brick wall of health issues. It can come out of nowhere, or be a life-long companion (as my migraines are for me). It’s so SO easy to lose spirit when we don’t feel well. If only we were better, life would be easier. Right? Wrong. I’ve often wondered what the purpose is for dealing with some chronic health issues. Below is what I’ve come up with. Share your reflections in the comments.

1. I’m reminded I’m alive.

A-L-I-V-E in the truest sense of the word. When something hurts, aches, or chronically makes me uncomfortable, I’m faced with the reality that I’m here . . . now! When you feel fine, you rarely grapple with such weighty issues. In fact, the better I’m doing the less aware I am that I-AM. There is something to be said for suffering in life. There is no greater moment that reminds me of how powerless I truly am, and yet how loving and reliable our God is. For no amount of suffering compares to His sacrifice, and further because of it I truly have nothing to worry about. 

2. I get to practice mental discipline.

Especially with issues of chronic pain, it’s oh-so-easy to delve into a “why me” cycle. There is truly nothing more destructive than this mentality. What could make one worse than indulging in negative thoughts? 

“I’ll never get better.” 
“I have to live with this pain, it’s so unfair.” 
“No one understands how terrible I feel.”  

Science has proven time and again the power of positive thinking in healing. There is nothing more productive than spinning these negative thoughts into positives. Every time a thought comes in, you ninja chop it into words of gratitude. Every moment you begin to go down the woe-is-me road, stop and thinking about someone OTHER than yourself. There is nothing more humbling to realize no matter what you are going through, there are others experiencing exponentially worse circumstances.

3. I divorce feelings from actions.

I had a dog once with horrible allergies. Even though she would scratch and itch, ripping her poor skin apart, she never failed to greet us with a lick and a tail wag. We have much to learn from this selfless action. Even in pain, to be able to reach out with a smile teaches us that we aren’t a slave to our emotions. Far from it. Our circumstances don’t have to determine our outlook on life. Perspective is key and learning how to carry on despite not feeling our best is a valuable lesson.

4. I practice patience.

As I tell my daughter, patience isn’t just a song by Guns n Roses. There’s something to be said for mindfully waiting for symptoms to subside. Waiting for a long-off date with a specialist can feel excruciating. But I notice something as the days flip by. I can do this. God made me so strong, that I can move through life in intense discomfort and still enjoy myself. 

So that’s where I’m at this week! I hope you find solace in the moments of life where we aren’t feeling 100% our best. It’s bound to happen to each of us, I hope these reminders are as helpful to you as they are to me.