Fighting for the Future

In my Choose a Better Life ™ blog I wrote about embracing the process (and the people) of a task instead of being focused solely on the end result.  I realize that that is often easier said than done.  We are so focused on end results that at best, we barrel through the process ignoring life lessons along the way; at worst, we become self-absorbed and hurt people in our path.

This is especially true when the process is on-going and difficult.  I know.  I’ve been in the process of “getting well” for over 5 years now.

Not only have I had to reorder my priorities and time commitments, but I’ve also had to reorder my thought life, my energies, and my expectations.  In addition to my doctor visits (a minimum of 3 visits each week with an average visit lasting 3 hours) I have had to restructure each day.  I take supplements/medications five times a day, I make meals from scratch, I make my own juice and snacks, I have physical therapy exercises/stretches to do each day, and I have physical limitations that get in the way of what I want to accomplish.

Admittedly there are moments when I’m tired of it.  I’m tired of making concessions to this illness that has taken over so much of my time.  But I’ve learned that it is in these moments that I have to be the most diligent.  It is my reactions in these moments that define my character and define my future.

It would be very easy to let the anger and frustration build and to become bitter.  But if I did that, I’d be robbing myself of the joy that can come from heartache.  It is in these moments that I fight for my future because I understand that what I do today has a direct impact on the quality of my tomorrow.  If I allow the negative emotions to control my thoughts, they then control my actions.  And if I begin veering from my routine I not only begin losing the progress I’ve made, but it makes compromising my actions tomorrow that much easier.  And then the downward spiral has begun.

So, how do I fight for my future in these moments?  I pray, I journal, and I begin listing all the great things that have come as a direct result of this painful process.  There have been many.  For one, I have learned that relationships are far more important than almost anything else in life.  I am much quicker to invest the time and energy in relationships now than I was 5 years ago.  Secondly, I have learned to depend on my husband in ways I would not have had I stayed on the career path I traveled when we were married.  Thirdly, I have a very sweet relationship with my youngest daughter because I have been home and been able to spend quality time with her.  She is 17 and truly one of the people I love to hang out with most.

I could go on with my list, but I will save that for another time.

But dealing with chronic illness is my difficult process.  Yours may be something all together different.  You may be dealing with long-term unemployment, an ill child, a struggling career, or any number of other things that require your daily attention.  Whatever process you are in, you have a choice.

Choose a Better Life ™ by choosing to fight for your future.  Let go of the negative thoughts and feelings that would only work to hinder your progress and choose to embrace the process and find the positive.  Your actions today have a direct impact on the quality of your life tomorrow.