I’ve lived with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis since 1980. After having had difficult symptoms for two years, the diagnosis was a big relief, particularly since Iwas told that MS was the best news out of the different diseases that the doctors were thinking about.
I think that was the first moment in my life that I remember feeling acutely lucky around something. Looking back (which is always the easiest way to get a perspective, isn’t it?), I think this sense of being lucky that this wasn’t as bad as it might be helped shaped my attitude about living with illness.
Then, there was another insight about this time. The diagnosis was made when I had a “flare” that quite literally flattened me (and left me temporarily blind in one eye). When I got better, I was so surprised to find that I could be that sick and get completely better (although that wasn’t true as the years went on). For the first time in my life, I was able to appreciate how wonderful it was to be healthy. I experienced that things could get quite bad but they could also improve. This left me with a deep sense of abiding hope.
I thought of this when I read an article by a colleague, Nicole Matoushek, MPH, PT, It Really Is About Focus. She makes the point that when we can think in terms of the things that we can do to improve our condition, rather than wallow in what’s not going to happen, we have the opportunity to make a difference in our lives.
This is true for any person. But it’s especially true for those of us with chronic illness — since living with this can leave us feeling pretty out of control. I feel lucky that it came naturally to me to grow from what happened — I didn’t have to work at my attitude. But I also believe that we can learn how to live with focus, intention and hope.
Rosalind
Nicole Matoushek says
Dear CI Coach Friends,
As a professional, always seeking further professional development and success and as one with Chronic Illness, I have been spending quite a bit of time recently reading, learning and studying various professional development/success programs and literature.
I have to say, I have found some phenomenal material and programs that have allowed me to really fast forward my professional success and personal life goals. Independent of what practice you are currently in, these professional success techniques apply to all of us seeking to grow.
I am not endorsing any of these programs, rather I want to help others succeed and meet their professional and personal goals. I cannot think of a better place to share this information than CI Coach Keep Working Girlfriend Blog!!!!!
I share these sources with my CI Coach friends. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. These programs truly provide tremendous concepts and systems to actually achieve more and grow your business and professional success dreams! Enjoy your passionate journey!
1) The Secret DVD or Book (any retail or online book store)
2) The Secret Science to Getting Rich program:
http://inspirednhopeful.thesgrprogram.com
3) Noah St. John’s Success Clinic of America: Permission to Succeed program.
http://www.successclinic.com
Nicole Matoushek, MPH, PT
http://www.acquiredhope.com
Stephanie says
Hi Rosalind,
I really was touched by this blog. I really do think that my illness has been a gift. There have been enormous difficulties and my real life and what I thought what my life would be are very different. But living with lupus has given me a softer heart, a more peaceful spirit, and a more generous soul. I hope that I only continue to grow.
Rosalind Joffe says
Thank you Stephanie — I’m sure that if that’s your intention, you will make it happen!