As I read through a few of the FB pages for Crohns and IBS, I came across a phrase tatooed on the ankle of someone who obviously has Crohns. The phrase 'luctor et emergo' is Latin meaning 'I struggle and emerge'. Okay, I'm inspired. Not to get a tatoo, mind you, but inspired by this persons belief that no matter how bad the day or week, they will arise, they will overcome.
Even tho our bodies are at times unable to do the things we want or need to do, the inner self, the person you really are, doesn't have to be defeated. Holding on to the thought that you will get better, even tho it may be for just a short time, can make those times of struggle easier.
Our energy may come and go, our abilities confined by a body that doesn't behave the way it should. These things we can't always change. But grasping the mindset that you will prevail, keeps us above the disease rather than being overtaken by it.
Since I'm going greek today, in the words of Horace, 'carpe diem'!
Here's a depressing thought. I have posted this blog address to two Crohns' sites and I also have a Facebook page of the same name. I have one blog follower and three FB page members. Now, I am not complaining and I truthfully find this to be a bit more funny than depressing. It simply proves the point I am trying to make. It's easier to jump on the bandwagon and be a complainer than to turn your situation into something good and share that.
Take a look at the sites. Read the postings. Often, they start as an information gathering venture then turn into a fest of sharing all the terrible things that someone has gone through. Again, I do not negate that with a chronic illness there are times that are bad; however, it is clear that most people focus on that aspect.
Everyone is trying to find a place to have their feelings validated. We all know the pains of Crohns. It's time to share some of the positive things that we have experienced in our journey.
There are people we have met, things we understand better and breakthroughs we could share. You can inspire those around you by being bigger than this disease. Share the positive!
Sitting here trying to be insightful and really just getting the sound of the water dripping in the sink as the only bounceback, I begin to think about being blessed and feeling blessed. We so often say "I'm blessed" as the counterbalance to whatever challenge we are currently being given. Like anyone else, I make the remark too without much thought into what I am saying.
"I'm blessed". Taking the time to really think about what is being said would overwhelm us and humble us to tears. Someone today had to home to go to. Someone had no one to share their troubles with. Someone was still waiting to see if their loved one lost to one of the many tragedies the world has seen lately. Someone could see no way to provide the needs of their family. Someone...but that someone wasn't me.
In the midst of our own struggles, we can overlook our own blessings. We let our everyday life over shadow the wonderful things we have. How can you feel blessed when you feel so sick? For myself, I can truly say that I am blessed even tho I have Crohns. I don't suffer to the degree others do and have a wonderful support system of understanding family and friends. That in itself is a blessing.
Regardless to how we feel, most of us are truly blessed. I hope that I can be mindful of that and begin to feel blessed as well.
