Befriending My Illness

For years, I saw my chronic illness as my enemy. I used up energy battling and suppressing it. At the time it seemed necessary to be able to function. What I didn’t know was how much this ongoing battle was draining my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Over the last year, I have had to navigate new conditions related to my illness. During this time, I realized that I needed to surrender. The battle cannot be won because my illness is not my enemy, but a part of my being. Battling it was suppressing a part of myself. 

I learned to accept the presence of my illness. I befriended it as part of my wholeness. I no longer saw it as my foe but as my friend and teacher. 

I asked my illness: what do you want from me? Acceptance not repulsion. Love not hatred. Compassion not resistance. The repulsion, hatred, and resistance were eating away at me, only worsening my struggle. 

Accepting and loving this part of myself helped me to find healing. I was able to see what it was trying to teach me:

Let go of perfection. 

Be grateful for what I have in this moment. 

Accept uncertainty and look for the silver lining.

Embrace the changes in each season of my life. 

Be patient and honest with myself. 

My grief can lead to growth.

Let go of things that are not serving my well-being. 

My body has wisdom, I just need to listen to it. 

The deepest friendships can come out of a common struggle. 

I am a warrior on the inside. 

I AM RESILIENT.

All I needed to find resilience and move forward was already inside me. I just needed to approach myself with love and compassion. I continue to learn to accept and be grateful for the part of me that is my illness and listen to what it teaches me. 

What is your mindset towards your health challenges?

If you need help with your mindset towards your health challenges to find healing, reach out to me for a free session.