“It’s all fun and games until your face freezes.” That quote is from me almost 3 years ago after the left side of my face was temporarily paralyzed from Lyme associated facial palsy. I went from thinking I was having a stroke to being told it was just bell’s palsy to then being diagnosed with Lyme Disease and Babesiosis. It had been undiagnosed so long that the Lyme bacteria crossed the blood brain barrier and it started to cause neurological issues. Now don’t get me wrong, it SUCKED having my face frozen for about a month and I still have facial nerve issues to this day. That being said though, I am actually grateful that my face froze that day. I’m also very thankful that at the last second when I was almost ready to leave the emergency room that the ER Doctor told the nurse to do a tick borne illness blood test. A couple of days later I got my results and finally had answers. All my mystery health issues I’ve dealt with for over a decade now made sense. I had always left doctors appointments frustrated and feeling like I was crazy with no hope. So it was great to finally know what was wrong with me! Unfortunately though I quickly realized even though my issues had a name now, Lyme Disease and co-infections are incredibly tough to recover and heal from. Which brings me to today, almost 3 years later and I’m still battling everyday.
Now being grateful and practicing gratitude daily won’t heal you from issues like this but it definitely helps having a positive mindset on your healing journey or whatever tough times you are going through. I read an awesome quote that I need to share here. “The most powerful weapon against your daily battles is finding the courage to be grateful anyway.” This is sooooo true!!! Even on my worse days I try and remind myself some people have the same disease and are even worse off from it. I’ll remind myself I have a great family and friends. Even though battling this disease can feel like a very lonely journey, I remind myself some people are facing their battles and are actually alone. There is always something you can find to be grateful for. I feel like this type of thinking can benefit everyone! Try this tomorrow, when you wake up think of things you’re grateful for! I think of the things I’m thankful for when I’m in the shower before work. Just waking up in a house and having water and food is something you shouldn’t take for granted. There are people out there starving and homeless. I know gratitude journals are popular too…hmmmm… maybe I should try that. The topic of gratitude has been covered so much and by people who are way smarter then me and there are real scientific studies proving the benefits. It’s one of those things that sounds so cliche but once you start practicing it daily you will see for yourself it really helps your life outlook. So just remember while whatever struggles or issues you are dealing with are definitely valid and can be very difficult, try your best to still focus on the good things you do have in your life. I still have very bad days and have a long battle in front of me but I will still be grateful for all the great things I have. So get out there and be grateful!!!! Surf your storm!!!! Have the best week ever!!!!
Crush It!
-Justin
You have great perspective!!!I have been homeless more than once and I am grateful everyday to wake up with everything I need. Thanks for sharing, have a great day.