The Silver Lining Behind Chronic Illness

You might read this title and think something like, "Really? Let’s see how out-of-touch or toxically positive this article is." The reality is, many of us with chronic health conditions have heard things like, "Everything happens for a reason!" or "Everything’s going to be okay," and these sentences often have the opposite effect of what was intended.

It’s easy to feel defeated by chronic illness. The fact of the matter is, it’s hard. It’s really hard to live a life with health challenges. And many people will never understand. But, like you, I understand, and I’d like to offer a perspective.

Facing the truth of chronic illness

I’ve had conversations with loved ones before where I've talked about the fact that my genetics were designed to lower my lifespan by 15 to 30 years. Nine out of 10 times, my loved ones will quickly cut me off and say things like, "That’s not going to happen." They shut the conversation down.

I understand why they do this; it’s uncomfortable and sad to think about my life ending early. It's hard to know what to say to comfort someone who's facing a hard truth like that.

But with my chronic illness, it's a fact. I am at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and it’s important to me to face that truth. It’s important to me that my loved ones face that truth, too, no matter how difficult it may be to talk or think about.

Taking care of myself in multiple ways

So, what’s the silver lining? Let me share my experience.

I’m 31 years old, navigating life with familial hypercholesterolemia and primary sclerosing cholangitis. I take incredible care of myself, better care of myself than I probably would without these diagnoses. But I don’t only take good physical care of myself; I take great mental care of myself, too.

I allow myself to know and live the truth — that every day is a gift.

No moment is guaranteed

I remember life before my diagnoses. I would be affected by little stressors, minor inconveniences. I held grudges. I gossiped. I was barely present. I was also a teenager. Every little thing felt like the worst thing in the world.

Until I experienced the worst thing in the world: the unexpected loss of my Mom.

Losing a parent in my late teenage years was extremely difficult. It put things into perspective: life is precious. No moment is guaranteed. Not for anyone you love.

Living with mindfulness and gratitude

Shortly after, I was diagnosed with the same condition that took her life.

That further solidified to me how precious each moment is. How unimportant the small annoyances really are, and how important the small beautiful things are.

I started living with mindfulness, with presence, with wonder, and with gratitude. I started letting go of the things I cannot control. I started prioritizing noticing the good rather than obsessing over the bad.

A silver lining on overcast days

Do I still have off days? Absolutely. Every overcast day seems to put me in a bad mood. But the off days don’t last. The bad moods fade when I remind myself of the reality.

Being confronted with the idea of this life ending has made me live in color.

And I sincerely hope you can find the shift in your heart to live the same.