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Living with chronic pain is a huge challenge. It has forced unwanted and unwelcome limits and alterations into my daily life. So much of my time is spent trying to manage my symptoms and medications, navigating insurance and health care, struggling to accomplish household chores and be a good wife. So often I feel overwhelmed and consumed by all of this. But when I really stop and think about it my life is still full of blessings.
All of my basic needs are being met. I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, shampoo and soap in my shower, heat and air conditioning, health insurance and we are able to live within our means. Additionally, I enjoy many luxuries like a wonderful husband, a computer and Internet access at home (allowing me to connect with the world), a Netflix subscription for entertainment, a washer/dryer in our apartment so I don't have to sit all day at the Laundromat and a great pet dog who keeps me company all day. Plus, I have a wonderful family and great friends.
Despite the health challenges I'm facing I still have many health blessings. I can walk, see, hear, taste, smell. I don't have a life threatening illness. And, I also still have hope.
Focusing on the many things I still have to be thankful for in my life helps me to see past the many challenges I'm facing as a result of my chronic pain and is a wonderful reminder that my life is more than just pain and limitations. With Thanksgiving just around the corner I'm so thankful to have so much to be thankful for!
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season?
I am thankful for everything you mentioned! We are so lucky to have what we do. Creature comforts, loving spouse and family, pets... what more could I ask for? I am thankful for you too, Migrainista! You have been a great blog friend!
ReplyDeleteI need some of your positive outlook. It is so difficult for me to get past the "living to control my symptoms" to even be thankful for the things I do have.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for you too Della! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't know that I would say that my outlook is positive most of the time. If is very difficult. But, when I'm struggling more than usual, I do find that making a list of things I'm thankful for and then looking at it frequently helps me to see the big picture (even if only for a short time). I'm thankful for you Jessica!
I'm thankful for people like you who understand what it's like to live with chronic pain. I'm thankful for your positive attitude and how it inspires me when the day feels really low.
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