Can an illness bring fulfillment?
Hi guys, I'm switching it up today so no recipes or foodie info . haha
Today is a little more serious of a subject than spicy bison burgers and watermelon ice cream.
So anyway have you ever wondered how weird it is it that illness can actually be a gift ?
Some may know what I am talking about and to others it might sound strange, but bear with me. It's about finding a deeper meaning behind life's struggles and how these challenges can push us to live better, more meaningful lives. Think of it as discovering the melody of your life, even in the midst of discord. With so much going on the world and so much of it being crazy, I have to wonder how many people are really living and APPRECIATING how good life CAN be if you allow it and focus on the really important things.
Not just about finding a silver lining- more like a transformation. Wayne Dyer, one of my most FAVORITE teachers and renowned self-help author, passionately believed in not leaving this world with 'your song unsung.' He argued that an encounter with illness can stir the depths of our souls, prompting us to express ourselves and our deepest desires more fully.
Similarly, Marianne Williamson, another luminary in the field of personal development and another favorite of mine, sees illness as a serious wake-up call, a stark reminder that we are here for growth and for nurturing our spirit—a chance to reassess our lives and the trajectory we're on... or could be on?!
Louise Hay, who has inspired countless people to heal and change their lives, reminds us of the immense potential we possess to rise above our circumstances. Her story is a testament to the idea that when life hands you lemons, you truly can make lemonade—lemon ice cream- lemon garlic chicken-limoncello......sorry, segued.
All of these mentors of mine share a common thread: the belief that illness, however daunting, can be that pivotal event that nudges us—albeit forcefully—toward a reinvigorated zest for life. So, what are the lessons we can draw from their wisdom? It's all about harnessing the situation to fuel a transformation that might not have occurred otherwise.
My Grandma Clara always used to say 'Youth is wasted on the young', what she was getting at is the idea that the years of abundant energy, resilience, and freedom of youth are not always appreciated until they're in the rearview mirror. Many young people haven't faced significant trials or illnesses that can provide stark perspectives on the value of every moment we're alive. Now that I of a certain age I fully understand this saying and it holds a lot of value, haha.
But when faced with illness, regardless of age, we're definitely given a sobering nudge to evaluate what's truly worth our enthusiasm and effort. This paradox holds a kernel of truth: sometimes, it takes losing something to truly understand its value.
What's fascinating here is that illness can do more than just inspire a sense of urgency. It can become a teacher, imparting lessons of gratitude while still leading individuals to wisdom that might have taken decades to cultivate under ordinary circumstances. It's also about gaining a deeper appreciation of the time we have, causing us to reevaluate our priorities and sharpen the desire for a meaningful, authentically lived life.
If you want to unlock a life that feels more rewarding and intentional, start by changing your lens on life. That's the strategy I like to leverage, drawing again from the wisdom of my guy Wayne Dyer, who famously said, 'Change the way you see things, and the things you see will change.' This isn't just a quaint saying; it's a transformative truth that many have found to be a key to personal growth, especially after experiencing illness. By focusing on the good stuff they were able to craft a roadmap for living that aligns with the deepest values, passions, and joys—effectively singing the song that only they were meant to sing!
So sure an illness might initially seem like a thief of joy, but with the right outlook, it can gift you a whole new appreciation for life. In my opinion, there's a lot of opportunity in recalibrating life's compass post-illness, directing you towards a more authentic, vibrant, and fulfilling existence. Live better, not just longer, and make sure your unique melody is heard.
Maybe someone needed to hear this today, who knows?
Cheers to overcoming and thriving !
Recent Comments
13
What a fantastic post. It is so true that a life tragedy makes us look at life differently. My accident left me depressed and morning over the changes it caused. However, I soon found that that accident gave me the nudge to move into this wonderful world of online marketing.
Nancy
Hi ! Its so true! Isn't it amazing how that happens? I think that once we realize that changes are made with or without our consent we finally realize that we really need to make the best of every possible situation. Once we look back upon how far we have come it really seems like a blessing in disguise sometimes. Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week and beyond :)
Yes, Stacey, an illness has brought me a much greater appreciation for the gift of good health. I took good health for granted until a herniated disc took away all of my athletic ability. Of course, I accepted it and set out on a new path of healing. Over the past two years, I have gone from hobbling short distances to walking my dog a couple of hours a day. As a result of cleaning up my act, focusing on taking care of myself, and following doctor's orders, I have regained a great deal of my former agility while the disc keeps me in line. I guess there's a bit of a paradox there, too.
Interestingly, slowing down enables me to focus more on Wealthy Affiliate.
All the best to you.
Dave
Hi there~ I'm so glad to hear that you have regained your strength and found a balance which works for you. It's a process as we get older to figure out different ways to maneuver through the aches and pains :) THANK YOU for your reply and I hope you keep enjoying those happy dog walks and more power to ya !
Cheers Dave,
~Stacey
Great writing. “APPRECIATING how good life CAN be if you allow it.” You put in some motivational concepts for having a good life. Thanks for the share Stacey shea.
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Hi Stacey. This is my been there, done that message that started for me at 18 when I had a serious car accident that changed my focus on what I could do afterwards. I broke my right arm. It was in a cast for 3 months total. It healed crookedly from the doctor with a big ego putting on the wrong cast.
The accident also cut my lower lip almost off - 300 stitches later... plus cuts to my right wrist and elbow that needed to be redone a year later to remove the Frankenstein stitches.
The main thing that changed was not being able to swim as a backstroker, possibly in the Olympics.
I had also wanted to be a model (yuck now, lol) and that changed my life.
I've had more illnesses/injuries to many to mention that have redirected my life.
Luckily, I'm an optimist and a survivor, so I just keep trucking ;)
Teri
Hello Teri, Wow! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm sad that your accident left you with so many scars, aesthetic and internal. I can imagine how the swimming would be affected by the injury. As far as the modeling goes, let's not forget how much that scope has changed in the past 5-10 years. A real person with natural looks are far more appreciated than ever before and for that I am grateful. Look at the curvy girls and the ones with obvious skin flaws on all the covers and making progress for us "normal" girls/women. I love it! If you want to model...GO MODEL ! I'll support you :))
It's nice to hear that you keep an optimistic outlook. We can do anything we put our minds to, right? Take care and stay in touch. Can't wait to connect with you again!