My Battle with Chronic Illness: The Power of Gratitude

Chronic Illness

Apr 29

Gratitude

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated when facing life's challenges, especially when you suffer from chronic illnesses like ME/CFS, and chronic pain, but have you considered the power of gratitude? Well, in my journey with chronic illness, I've found it to be immensely helpful in practising—gratitude.

Throughout my life, I have always made a conscious effort to practice gratitude. I firmly believe that being grateful for the people and things in my life is essential for my overall happiness and well-being. I am grateful for my amazing husband, my wonderful children, my mum, my home, my life-long best friend; as well as everything else that positively touches my life. It’s a tool I’ve used throughout my life, and I’ve continued the practice of gratitude with my chronic illness journey; the power of gratitude has shown me that it consistently works wonders. It helps.

I have always felt that it is crucial never to lose sight of the things I am thankful for, especially when life throws curveballs my way.

When I was diagnosed with a chronic illness it changed my perspective on gratitude. My thought process shifted, and I began focusing on being grateful for things that I might have taken for granted before, such as my health, the ability to the everyday activities, even the most mundane/smallest of activities, and especially the support of my loved ones during difficult times.

Gratitude has helped me reaffirm the importance of cherishing what I have and not taking anything for granted. It has helped me maintain a balanced and positive outlook on life despite the challenges I face.

Gratitude as a Resilience Tool

Why Gratitude Matters in Chronic Illness Management

When you're living with chronic illnesses, such as MECFS, focusing on gratitude might seem counterintuitive. Yet, acknowledging the good in my life can significantly impact my mental and emotional well-being. Gratitude diverts attention from the pain and fatigue to the aspects of life that bring joy and satisfaction, however small. It's about finding value in the every day—a conversation with a friend, a comfortable moment, or a personal achievement. Embracing gratitude can help build mental resilience, providing a buffer against the depression and anxiety that often accompany chronic illnesses. By reinforcing a positive mindset, we can cultivate a more hopeful outlook on life, which is crucial for managing long-term health conditions like MECFS.

Grateful for my Support System

I am incredibly grateful for my family and friends, especially during the challenging times I face with my chronic illness. Their unwavering support and understanding have been a source of immense comfort and strength for me. My family members have been my pillars of strength, accompanying me to countless medical appointments, ensuring I adhere to my treatment plan, and providing emotional support when I feel overwhelmed. Similarly, my friends have consistently shown their support through their kind words, encouraging gestures, and simply being present to lift my spirits when I'm feeling low.

Knowing that I have such a strong support system makes dealing with my chronic illness much more bearable, and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

Transform Perspective

Gratitude has not only helped me cope with my chronic illness, but it has also transformed my perspective on life. Instead of focusing on what's going wrong or what's missing, gratitude allows me to appreciate what's going right and what I already have. It creates a sense of emotional "white space" in my mind, giving me a moment to breathe and refocus amidst the constant health concerns. One personal step that stands out is when I started jotting down things that made me happy despite the pain, and I began to experience unexpected moments of joy. Gratitude truly has the power to uplift me during the toughest of times.

Gratitude has the ability to shift perspective and bring about a sense of peace and contentment, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It allows me to focus on the positive aspects of my life and appreciate the small moments of joy that may otherwise go unnoticed. By cultivating a grateful mindset, I can find solace and strength in the midst of adversity, knowing that there is always something to be thankful for.

Final thoughts

So, whether you're battling chronic illness or simply navigating through life's general ups and downs, don't underestimate the power of gratitude. It can be our emotional cushion during tough times, reminding us of the good that still exists around us even when it may seem hidden.

About me

I am a married mother of four children, in my mid 40's. I run a small business and enjoy writing, which is why I blog. My blog focuses on my experiences of living with chronic illnesses and disabilities such as ME/CFS, spinal stenosis, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.