The Beast
I was texting a friend about how at times my Addison’s Disease can be scary. He asked me a simple question.
“What’s scary about it?”
“I think I have this beast controlled and then I’m reminded how I don’t.”
“The disease?”
“Yeah. Maybe I should view it as something I shall never fully control. Instead, it’s something I work with, symbiotically.”
An Attempt to Control
This was something I had not considered before. I always viewed my disease as something that I must manage, I must fully control it. If I take my medicine properly, eat healthy, sleep regularly, and reduce all stress I can box up my disease in a nice and neat box that can be stored on the top shelf where I can forget about it. The disease is managed. I may return to daily living forgetting my burden.
But We cannot Control
But life doesn’t work that way. Unexpected things happen. Nothing in life is fully controllable. So maybe I shouldn’t view this disease as something I must control. There are actions I can take that help me manage it better. But I cannot control every aspect of it.
So We Seek a Symbiotic Relationship
This realization releases much tension and pressure. When I get sick, it’ll no longer be “What did I do wrong?!!!” The burden is lifted. Which is kind of nice, considering I came down with a horrible infection recently. Tuesday through Friday are somewhat of a blur for me. And I’m still not fully recovered.
We are Clearly Alive
Addison’s Disease will not control me. Additionally, I will stop viewing Addison’s Disease as something that I must control. I cannot ignore my disease nor can I minimize or down play it. But I can choose to work with my disease.
I choose life.
I choose to remain Clearly Alive.
Tall Paul
I bet your friend is super cool.
Amber
Yeah, he's pretty awesome. He does have this weird fascination with frisbee though. I just don't understand it.