Thought for the Day!

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 3:30 pm

I used this saying with my high school kids this morning and then realized how relevant it was in my own life:

When something bad happens, you have three choices:

You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

I choose not to let it define who I am (why would I want to be known as the person who has an autoimmune disease? I would rather they didn't know that and actually not even be able to tell).
I definitely choose not to let it destroy me (I have a lot of living left to do and a precious new granddaughter that has stolen my heart).

So, I guess my only choice is to let it strengthen me. (I may have battlescars by the time I come out of this, but I will be a stronger person!).

My final question to my students and I pose it to you also: What will you decide to do?

Erica P-G · Post by **Erica P-G** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 4:47 pm

I definitely think it has strengthened me....

I don't go around telling the world I have MC, I do keep an ear open in case I hear someone mention an AI issue because I know I have learned some very valuable lessons and if I can shed some thoughts their way I will not be offended if they are ready for the information or not.

I wont let this be what destroys me...the higher power is gonna have to make the call on that one

Cheers
Erica

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 8:18 pm

Hi, Jari. I think it strengthened me as well. It also made me appreciate everything in my life. I work in long term care and I see people who are suffering every day and yet they smile and make the most out of their life. I ask myself how I can feel sorry for myself when my load is so much lighter than theirs. Our lives may be different now but we don't have to let this disease define us.

Marcia

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:20 pm

So true Jari! I hope it is strengthening me! I know it has opened my eyes. I use to be the mother that said, "eat it anyway." Sadly now I realize some people just can't eat it anyway! I have a lot more leniency now with my children about eating.

Lilja · Post by **Lilja** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 12:42 am

jlbattin wrote:I used this saying with my high school kids this morning and then realized how relevant it was in my own life:

When something bad happens, you have three choices:

You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

I choose not to let it define who I am (why would I want to be known as the person who has an autoimmune disease? I would rather they didn't know that and actually not even be able to tell).
I definitely choose not to let it destroy me (I have a lot of living left to do and a precious new granddaughter that has stolen my heart).

So, I guess my only choice is to let it strengthen me. (I may have battlescars by the time I come out of this, but I will be a stronger person!).

My final question to my students and I pose it to you also: What will you decide to do?

Hi,
The mere fact that I have tracked down this board, followed it for 1 year, and done all I could to fight this disease, should prove that I have decided to let it strengthen me.

Lilia

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Sun Sep 13, 2015 8:02 pm

Hi Jari,

It has definitely strengthened me!

Thank you for sharing your "thought of the day."

Paula

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:08 pm

During the past eight years MC has defined me, destroyed me, and strengthened me. I'd like to focus most on being strong but the reality for me is that it has been life shattering. It has been hard on my marriage, my social life, my family life, and how I view myself. In the end, it always rolls back around to being strong because I wanted to give up long ago but is there a choice? Keep moving forward knowing some days will be harder than others but as long as I am actively engaged in finding health- I have done all I can do.

Blueberry · Post by **Blueberry** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 9:15 am

It's a tough, tough disease to deal with and after 20 plus years with it I can become overly run down at times. But I do my best to keep my head up and have a laugh at it when possible. I was at a new dentist yesterday and while there was too tired and fatigued to talk well. I hate discussing my colitis in person, but with him being a non stop talker I felt I better explain my colitis and why I wasn't chatty. Nice guy, he had some understanding, and come to find out lives on my street, invited me over, and warned me to look out for his big dog. Apparently the friendly dog is known for slobber excessively on new people.

MICROSCOPIC COLITIS SUPPORT

Thought for the Day!

Thought for the Day!

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