Reminiscing Past Accomplishments
"I used to be a straight A student. On top of that, I used to lead this and that team. I was also the best in this and that sport."
This is a statement that I have used and often hear in varying degrees. The other day, I read such an introduction for the umpteenth time and wondered, "why do we always compare ourselves against previous successes?" For me it did feel like I had lost an important chunk of my identity. A huge part that I was proud of, and feel sad that others will never get to meet again.
*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our Privacy Policy page for more information. Thank you!
Our Wonderful Being is Still There
But we seldom compare ourselves to the other wonderful parts of who we were before becoming ill. Why not from beautiful, to still beautiful? Certain characteristics that belong to us are the same, maybe even polished due to circumstances. These are the qualities that shine and do not fade, regardless of age. Physical accomplishments are wonderful. Yet are often but a reflection of the nature that has always existed within us.
There are many abilities that I do miss from once upon a healthy time. I will not deny that illness has indeed melted me into an unidentifiable, sloppy mass on the ground. But all my core ingredients are still there, and I am ready to shape myself again, with the same magical stuff that I was first made of.
"Character is what you know you are, not what others think you have." – Marva Collins
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