Suffering is a key component to life with Cystic Fibrosis. There is no need to dwell on this, it simply is a fact. Living with a chronic disease is painful. Every single day is different, and the pains and aches come and go like the wind. It’s easy to become lost in a world of despair when it seems that life is too painful. But if you look at it from another perspective the suffering is magnificent. Without the suffering it would be easy to miss the truly spectacular moments in the mundane. The pain we experience shows us why it’s so important to hold gratitude for the good days.

Living with Cystic Fibrosis is an endless journey of needles, hospital stays, prescriptions and finding the joy through it all. It’s so easy to become angry and wonder why this life chose us, but maybe there is a reason behind the madness. Finding the beauty in all the suffering is a uniquely wonderful way to look at life. If you change your perspective to only focus on the positive, life seems to become a playground of joy. Those who suffer the most tend to be able to hold space for others at such depths that most can’t comprehend.

Everytime we suffer we are learning how it feels for others who experience pain in their lives. When we see someone with hurt beneath their eyes, we inherently know how to hold space for them without intruding. We can love with our entire being because we know what it feels like to have our hearts broken countless times. When we see someone who is afraid or angry because they are suffering we can help guide them back into peace because this is a path we have to fight for ourselves.

Choosing to find the beauty in the suffering is not an easy task. But, to do so means that your life will improve and by doing so you can help the lives of others. There will be days that the suffering is too much to bear and the sorrow creeps in. But in those days/weeks/months are the biggest lessons of all, how to love through the darkness.

Hold space for others at all times. Choose love over hate. And choose to see your suffering as a blessing and life will change. One mantra that helps me remember to choose love is: lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu. It means may all beings be happy, healthy and free from harm.

 

 

Ashlee is 28 years old and lives in Reno, Nevada and is a past Grant Recipient of multiple CFLF Recreation Grants. She is a yoga teacher and enjoys spreading knowledge on health and wellness. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to her at ashleecmcdougall@gmail.com

 

 

           Help Others Live STRONGER and LONGER-