Being born with what has been labeled by society as a terminal illness (not my interpretation, their's...wait, who is they?) immediately alters your take on the world and everything occurring it. Please keep in mind this is my perception of the perceptions, take them with a grain of salt. Here are some examples:

1. The American Dream - Let’s define the American Dream first. In the definition of the "American Dream" by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances at birth. Ok, sure. Anyone with an illness knows the American Dream is slightly different for them. Our circumstances at birth do put different limitations on what we can overcome. They also empower us to do everything within us to go the extra mile and exceed the American Dream. I believe that a person living with a condition believes not only in the American Dream but also believes that being the healthiest through it all makes you the wealthiest. And this is how you lead a life full of abundance.

2. Time in a day - what occurs before and after the typical 9 -5 work day for a person living with a chronic illness is actually two additional days. So we’re living three days in one. 

I'm not really sure when 24 hours became 72 because that’s just the way it’s always been.

3. Fresh Air - It’s the most amazing thing. I’m not kidding. When you open your door in the morning, don’t forget to take it all in. Feel the air, don’t take it for granted. People living with chronic illness might not be able to feel fresh air for extended periods of time. The moment when you step outside of the hospital, feel REAL air on your body instantly reminds one of how good it feels to be alive.

4. DEATH is real. Breath is real - Breathe while you can. Walk up the stairs if you can, ride your bike if you can. One day you might not be able to do these things anymore. It’s nice to take pride and joy in your abilities.

5. The definition of “Alternative” - Your weird stories will never phase someone with a chronic illness. We’ve done the research, we’ve looked beyond what's in front of us and opened our minds to different opportunities for healing. Go ahead, try us. We also have somewhat “alternative” bodies. They do things that aren't for the faint-hearted. It is what it is!

6. Attachment - Oooooh, the impermanence of everything is crystal clear. I feel, and I may be wrong about this, we are able to place experiences into our pockets and accept them for what they are. For example, meeting someone special for a brief period, connecting, and then leaving. After the experience has ended, we always keep that place warm in our heart. We leave because of reasons we can’t control, most often being sickness.

7. We love to learn about others' darkness - This is not to compare, but it just serves as a comfort to know that others are dealing with hardships as well. Even more, we love to hear about your triumphs. These stories are what keeps us going, they're inspiring. Exercise: Listen to "Trouble Me" by 10,000 Maniacs.

8. Humor - Humor is gold. I’m pretty sure we keep the funniest around us, the closet to us. We need to because laughter is medicine. It decreases stress and increases the strength of your immune system, helping us live, laugh, and love even more!!!

9. Curiosity and Compassion - These words fuel the solar plexus, the fire in us. 

We are curious about the truth because we’ve been placed in these situations that as far as we can tell, we didn't choose in this lifetime. We never know the outcome of a hospital visit. We never know the outcome of the next 24 hours. Which makes us have compassion for our bodies and compassion for those around us more than one ever could imagine. We have to be open with curiosity. And we can't judge the situation. It’s challenging to say the least. But it’s innate and it’s survival.

10. The difference between you and me - Here’s the moral of the story: You don't have to have a chronic illness to have these “altered” perceptions of the world around you. I am not different than you. They’re not altered, I think I made that part up. We all have something we're dealing with EVERY single day. So let’s celebrate our oneness! We've all experienced deep pain, as well as surreal moments of happiness. If you haven't yet, you will. I am not special because I have cystic fibrosis. I am me. I am spirit. I am whole. I am abundance. You are too.

 

Help Others Live STRONGER and LONGER- 

    

   

 

Vicki Thompson is a 31-year-old with cystic fibrosis living in upstate New York. She explores the arts daily, takes care of maintaining her health in every moment and searches for the moon when it is missing from the sky. Follow her journey on Instagram at vicki_lynn27
 

 

 

 

***Views expressed in the CFLF Blog are those of the bloggers themselves and not necessarily of the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation***   

 

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