Have You Learned Anything Good From This Disease?

[Guest guest]

I've learned to listen to my body. It's telling me things all the time and before I got sick I never stopped to really listen to what it was saying. I now can tell how I am going to feel by what I put into it or what type of headache I'm getting, etc. I guess you can say that is a bright side. Naa Koshie~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~The Neurosarcoidosis CommunityNS CHAT:- Has been cancelled for now.Message Archives:-http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/messagesMembers Database:-Listings of locations, phone numbers, and instant messengers.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/database

[Guest guest]

Hi Ron - Yes, I, too, have learned a lot of the same things you have. I make no apologies because I know that I was born to be a Pollyanna, everything happens for a reason, see the silver lining, hope for the best, turn lemons into lemonade and celebrate the successes kind of girl. I know it can be sickening at times, but I honestly can't lose sight of the fact that every breathing moment is a miracle. I'd rather live my life looking for the sunshine than wallowing in the cold, wet rain. And I do love thunder and lightning storms - I love the drama of nature! I can't remember who it was in the group who sent the quote from Mother Theresa, but I felt she was one lady who really knew what it was all about. I'm no Mother , I'll give you that. But I do know that this disease has really made me reevaluate myself as a human being and what I want to leave

behind if I have to leave. That would be happy memories, words of wisdom, laughter and warmth in the hearts of those whose lives I touch. I liked everything you had to say. You're aaallll right in my book! Thanks for the smile - and for the knowledge that I've got a brother out there who understands! Jeannie" J. Blanchett" wrote: Recently, I was thinking of the positive things I have learned since being afflicted with this illness. And I was wondering if anyone in the group has had similar thoughts and experiences.For example:I am more patient. Having to depend on people to help me bathe and dress because of my disability has made me much, much more patient with others and

myself as well.I am more spiritual. I have to draw on my faith to strenghtened me on a DAILY BASIS! Without my faith and dependence I would not have made it thus far. Somedays are so difficult, that I can only just cry out for help, mercy, comfort, compassion and relief. And it sees me throught it all everytime I call out.I am more humble. Before this disease I was a very arrogant and confident person. But not anymore. This illness has taught me humility on a level I have never experienced. No longer do I look down or talk down to people or elevate some people over others. This has been a extremely needed and valuable lesson for me that I will never forget.I am more compassionate and understanding. Before my illness I had developed a hard exterior in life for several reasons. But now I have returned to the days of my youth when I was tender at heart and

loving even to a stranger. And for this I am thankful.I am more faithful. Coming from a very scientific background I tended to not believe things that I could not see, test for or prove. What a mistake that was for many years. Since my illness I have learned to have faith in certains things in life and move on without question. My faith has grown a lot considering my arrogance and conceit of my pass history.I think I have made a point here. I am not trying to convince anyone to "look for the silver lining" or make "lemonade out of this lemon we have been given." I am simply saying that after searching my mind and my heart, I can see areas of growth in my life as a result of this illness that I do not know if I would have grown in these particular areas if I did not have this disease.No, I am not thankful for having this illness, but I am thankful for the growth in

the areas of my life that I painfully needed. And for this I try to give thanks.Won't you too think about it along these lines? Give it a try and see if it doesn't put a smile on your face. And that my friend is the best medicine of all, a warm, sincere smile. :)Your brother and friend,Ron (Smiles to you all)__________________________________________________