Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded of the precious gift of good health. I haven’t been feeling very swell. As some of you know, I have a neurological illness called trigeminal neuralgia-atypical facial pain. This illness, which for me is primarily triggered by extremes of weather (cold, heat) and stress, causes incapacitating lightning bolt pains in my head. In some medical journals, it is called “the most painful affliction to man”. I’ve had the illness since 2002. Most people that meet me wouldn’t even know I have it. But those who are close to me know just how much it impacts my everyday living. During the winter and summer months, I am stuck inside. I have to think about everything I do outside of the house and be strategic about my exposure to the weather. If I don’t, I will end up in bed in severe pain and medicated for one or more days.
Last year was my worst year with the illness. I tried some heavy medications- nerve blockers that made me sicker than the pain relief was worth. During a low point, I was crying in my neurologist’s office that I just couldn’t take it anymore. My doctor said to me “stop fighting this illness and accept it. Start living with your illness”. Eureka! Stop fighting…start living! Stop fighting…start living! Brilliant! Live YOUR life!
Mentally, that was a turning point for me- because chronic illness can wear you out and be downright depressing. Whenever I don’t feel good, I eat. During bouts of neuralgia, I would lie in bed (because I couldn’t move my head), with a bag of Hershey kisses. It makes you really sad when you can’t go to your kid’s sports, pick out a Christmas tree, or go to a family picnic- because the weather (hot or cold) makes you sick. And you miss out on life.
What’s eating you right now so badly that you’re missing out on life? Illness? Depression? Anxiety? Tensions at home? At work? Trouble with your kids? Finances? Death?
I’m here to ask you---DO NOT let the pain take control of your life. You (and God) have the steering wheel. YOU, control your attitudes, your behaviors, your reactions and beliefs. YOU control how you choose to live your life.
This past year, I made the mental shift to take my life back. And let me tell you…when you’re feeling like you cannot go on anymore, and you have no idea where you will get the strength to face another day- you will dig deep and keep on keepin’ on.
It’s really hard to keep on keepin’ on when you’re ill, depressed, anxious, stressed at home or at work, struggling your finances or mourning the loss of a loved one.
But remember, there is a light inside of you called hope. And this hope will give you the courage, strength and perseverance to tackle whatever life brings- head on.
Make the choice, commit to the choice and continue with courage.
Hugs and friendship,
Tara
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