Less than one year ago, it would have been difficult for me to come up with a reason how something positive could come from being diagnosed with an invisible illness.
Fast forward to more recently, and I've learned to see every experience through different lenses now.
Being diagnosed with an invisible illness has changed me in many ways. It has challenged me, humbled me, and possibly changed me for the better.
It has motivated me to take responsibility for my own health:
Before being diagnosed, I ate what I wanted, when I wanted. I've always been petite and thin, and as a result, I didn't exercise as much as I should have, nor, did I give much thought to taking care of my physical health. An invisible illness has changed the way I view food, exercise, my body, and my environment.
It has taught me to appreciate and enjoy real food:
I've learned to view food as medicine and fuel. When you think of food this way, you automatically start caring about the food you put in your body. You learn more about yourself, and understand how food makes you feel. You become in tuned with your body and start to care more about what you put into it. My new perception has made me think twice about what I put in my body and has allowed me to enjoy new healthy eats, rather than fear them.
It has brought things into perspective, teaching me to appreciate everything and every day:
It's strange, but after being diagnosed with an illness, it becomes ubiquitous. There are constant reminders, it starts to consume your life, and then you learn not to be bothered or to stress about the minor things, because something more significant, has taken their place. The smallest everyday frustrations can take a toll on us, and stressing or over-analyzing things that can't be changed is not emotionally or physically beneficial. I've realized how blessed I am with the life I've made myself and how many people are far, far worse off than myself.
Ensuring that things were placed where they should be in relation to everything else around them, helped me place my focus where it needed to be.