As I’m closing in on my one year anniversary with a movement disorder. The movement disorder that flipped my life upside down. My mind has been turning to what I wish I would have known then. The experience of losing control of parts of my body are rather specific to my own human experience, but the feeling of loss is universal. Losing something that you had never even once thought of being without, can be very traumatic. The following are lessons that I wish I could have known when my journey away from normalcy began.
1. It’s Okay To Not Be Normal
When I started to come to peace with my disorder I realized that I wasn’t normal and that that was alright. The stares from others, the insensitive comments, and even the over sympathizing will always be there, but you control how you perceive yourself. Always wondering what other people think about you will get you nowhere, but to the state of insecurity. Yes I spasm and twitch but it doesn’t make me less of a person, My mind and soul are still intact.
2. Make Something Positive Out Of Your Situation
It’s hard to see the light when all your security is being thrown out the window. Losing something feel like your being thrown down into the depths of a cave and you don’t know have a map to the surface. I’m happy that I realized the positive in my situation before I got so consumed in the fog that loss brings. I let my new found ability to connect with others with similar conditions to help bring me out into the light. Use your pain to find a new purpose in life or to reinforce an old one. It’s easier to let yourself wallow in self pity but you will never be happy that way. Choose happiness.
3. Share your story
The power that your own story has is a tremendous one. As human beings we are almost programmed to connect and learn from the art of storytelling. Even if you don’t find yourself to be a great speaker or writer, you can still make an impact by telling someone your story in just a one on one situation. By sharing your story you can find others to support you when the pain is the worst. Sharing my story has helped me connect with other people and helped me make a positive impact in their lives.
4. Accept Love From Other People
Don’t try to take on the hardship by yourself. Experiencing love from others is a transformative event. When I decided to let other people come on this journey with me it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I may have had to still deal with the physical pain by myself but I knew that I didn’t have to go it alone afterwards. I had people to support me when I was feeling depressed. Seeing that other people care and love you, should inspire you to try to live your life with a positive attitude. If not for yourself than do it for them.
5. You Are Doing This For Yourself
I know I just said that you should live life with a positive attitude for the people that love you, but that’s not completely correct. Ultimately you need to remain positive because your own happiness is worth something even if you don’t believe it right now. As human beings we all have an ability to make a tremendous impact on this world even in our seemingly small lives. You don’t know how a small act of love can inspire others around you. If you continue to live in a state of depression you squander your ability to show love to others. But doesn’t that still seem like you are trying to stay positive for others? Wrong. The crazy thing about this world is that helping others brings it’s own personal satisfaction and contentment. Seeing that you are making a positive impact in someone else life gives you no other choice but to love yourself. In a sense then by helping others you are doing it for yourself.