Dandelion seeds wait for the breeze to pluck them from their beds where they ride on the back of the wind, oblivious to where they’ll land or what they may harvest. The seeds of arthritis are similar in that we never know where they will settle or what they may sow in each individual – fear, determination, anger, hope, courage – we can’t control the seeds that are planted, but we can try to weed out the good from the bad.
This Canadian Thanksgiving, my partner and I are cooking dinner for our families. My hands have had frequent skirmishes with arthritis in the last few weeks and I can only hope they will be up to the task, but in spite of their complaints, the seeds of arthritis will not stop me from celebrating with my family. It may seem strange to say that in this harvest season, I will also celebrate my life with arthritis. I don’t celebrate arthritis itself but I am thankful for what arthritis has reaped in me. This unexpected illness has exposed hidden strengths and pushed me to follow the dreams I shelved. I will exult in my victories – climbing the Great Wall of China, travelling, returning to the stage, resurrecting sleeping passions, being recognized by my peers and connecting with other outstanding warriors in the fight against arthritis. I will learn and be humbled from my defeats, but I will not be ruled by them.
I couldn’t stop the seeds of arthritis from taking root in my body; but since they did, the best I could hope was to harvest them in my own way. I can’t control every aspect of my illness, but I can take steps to sow the seeds of wellness. I can choose to remain strong by cherishing myself, exercising, resting, and following the advice of my medical practitioners. I can live in each moment; I can create goals, no matter how small or large, take the baby steps to reach them and recognize my success each step of the way. Arthritis holds no authority within the borders of my determination.
Despite where the seeds may scatter, I continue to believe that their potency will fade under the prevailing strength of the arthritis warrior. I will reap the seeds of hope, anticipating the day they harvest a cure. In the meantime, I will gather the spores that cultivate the cry of every victim: “I have arthritis; it does not have me”.
Happy Thanksgiving Canada. Wishing everyone a plentiful season filled with health, happiness and the courage to prevail.
What a lovely analogy, JG! Best wishes for a great Thanksgiving feast with your family–I hope the Old Lady sleeps all the way through it. 😀
Posted by Wren | October 12, 2014, 9:12 pmThank you Wren. I hope she does too 🙂 I will be sure to raise a glass for you, sending you good wishes and health. Cheers.
Posted by J.G. Chayko | October 12, 2014, 9:57 pmI live with a debilitating chronic illness myself. I hear your story. 🙂
Posted by thenoveilst | October 13, 2014, 2:58 amIt’s always a challenge to uncover the blessings in the face of illness – I hope you have more good days than bad. Wishing you well. Cheers.
Posted by J.G. Chayko | October 13, 2014, 10:03 amThank you and same to you 🙂
Posted by thenoveilst | October 13, 2014, 11:12 amWell said Julia. My mom suffered from arthritis and some days were also unbearable for her. I wish she was still with us and could read these positive messages…Happy Thanksgiving to you and families..
Posted by Sandi Whyte | October 13, 2014, 10:48 amThank you Sandi. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving too 🙂
Posted by J.G. Chayko | October 13, 2014, 12:17 pmSow the seeds of wellness. What lovely imagery. Yes, we must focus on the positive, on what we can do. Arthritis will not define our borders nor our boundaries. A very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Posted by Irma | October 14, 2014, 1:58 pmThanks Irma, it was a lovely night, and my hands behaved as well as can be expected – but I did have a little help 😉 Hope all is well with you.
Posted by J.G. Chayko | October 16, 2014, 3:04 pmI simply love this posting, Julia. So rich in spirit. I particularly like your final words – the courage to prevail. Lord knows I have put on strong hold many hearts desires and dreams. May I have your courage.
Posted by Pameal | October 15, 2014, 4:24 pmThanks Pam. I believe you’ll follow your dreams when you’re ready; they’re not going anywhere. 🙂
Posted by J.G. Chayko | October 16, 2014, 3:04 pmNice positive, uplifting attitude… well done J.G. 🙂
Posted by Kev | October 19, 2014, 12:36 pm