Learning to Love Life (Even with Chronic Illness): Acceptance, Grief, and Creating Joy Beyond “Getting Better”
“Once I get better, I will love my life.”
On the surface, this statement might seem harmless, exuding positivity and a can-do, hopeful attitude. Underneath it is the harsh reality of living with chronic illness.
Because what if your health doesn’t improve? What if the chronic nature of the disease means there is no end date to suffering? Does that mean you will stop living your life and put everything on hold until you “get better”?
It’s an understandable and valid choice. I’ve chosen it at times, but it comes at the cost of my joy and peace.
Redefining What “Better” Really Means
What if I told you that “feeling better” doesn’t mean you’re pain-free? That even if your symptoms remain, you could still create a life you want to live?
It sounds impossible at first, because we’ve imagined a life that looks a certain way (and most of us don’t imagine that with lots of pain, fatigue, and a loss of mobility 😬). But what if there is a shift that could change everything and unlock a new path forward?
The Shift that Changes Everything
The shift that changes everything starts with grief and acceptance.
Grief that life is not the way you wanted, planned, or hoped it would be. And that it often requires you to acknowledge and feel the sadness, anger, and resentment under the surface.
Acceptance that this is the life you have in front of you, and you can choose if this grief defines you or becomes the fire in your soul to find a new path forward.
And the shift comes as we do what we can to adapt to the life we have. Because I don’t know about you, but I refuse to get to the end of my life regretting that I was waiting for “my health to improve” before I loved it.
“Once I get better, I will love my life.”
You Don’t Have to Wait to Love Your Life
If this resonates, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’d love to walk alongside you. I currently have openings for Missouri clients, ages 13+. Book your free discovery call with me to learn more at www.lindseymanntherapy.com.
