It’s easy to fall victim to the comparison trap. We live in an age where digital interaction is more common than face to face. It’s an unfortunate truth that we hold the pretty, unadulterated parts of people’s lives that are portrayed on social media in such high esteem, completely negating the lack of human relatability factor or rather the necessity for it.
Highlight reels become the gauge for our behind-the-scenes actuality. Comparing ourselves to half-truths filled with unrealistic expectations filling us with a void we don’t know how to fill, but feel the need to fill it nonetheless.
This has become our reality.
For those with chronic illness, this is magnified times a million. Our bodies look different because of the hell we’ve lived through. Typical age activities are limited for the sake of protecting our wellbeing first. Meeting societal norms aren’t always in the cards. And a vast majority of the population is unable to work due to the state of their health.
What do you do when the world is in constant motion and you’re stuck at a standstill?
Here are a few tips that I’ve gathered through trial and error…
Structure: humans thrive on routine. Of course ours gets interrupted frequently beyond our control, but plan your day according to what you can do. Set small goals. Have a check list. Accomplish what you can, and give yourself grace for what you can’t.
Vision: find something to look forward to. Make a plan with a friend to go on an adventure, facetime, or whatever makes you happy. Take small steps towards your purpose. Any progress is still progress. Having something that gets you out of bed in the morning is enough to get you started, even if you’re just excited for scrambled eggs & avocado (talking to myself here, some days it works!)
People: isolation is one of the biggest problematic areas of chronic illness. This is detrimental to mental health and overall wellbeing. Humans are built for relationship. Surrounding ourselves with people isn’t always a possibility given the often fragile state of our health, but there are always other options. Those who are able to hang out with you in any season that you are in are essential and truly gifts that add incredible value to our lives.
You: be unapologetically yourself, in your most authentic nature.
Most importantly, you must know that you are never alone. If wherever you are at feels overwhelming, know that others are in that place too. Everyone in the world is dealing with something difficult, and our struggles are often invisible… There is this underlying connection that exemplifies beauty when we allow all the parts of ourselves to be fully seen.
I dream of a world where we connect with everyone – on a human level about values, passions, and who we are as people. Not based on our accomplishments, production level, or societal measures of worthiness. With education and communication there is hope for true connection. Always.
Help Others Live STRONGER and LONGER-
Lara is 33 years young and resides in Vermont. She has Cystic Fibrosis and received a double lung transplant in August 2017. A beacon of light for the existence of miracles; Lara enjoys adventures, nature, and belly laughs with her loves. She believes Jesus walks and pants are the devil. Passionate about spreading encouragement, she always lends an ear to those in need.
Follow Lara’s blog on her website: www.laragovendo.com or connect with her on Facebook & Instagram: Lungs4Lovey.
***Views expressed in the CFLF Blog are those of the bloggers themselves and not necessarily of the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation***
***Please speak with your physician before making any changes to your CF management***
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