New Window

Journey

Life is full of experiences, some of which are harder than others; but we always have the opportunity to leave each event with a better mindset. For me, it is a process, not an end. The same challenges can be experienced by two people totally differently. I am not who I was 5 years ago.

I see myself as the water in a river, which is never the same within; but it may be unchanged from an outsider view. I have noticed that “my river current” can be more peaceful, or turbulent, depending on the way I choose to see the world.

Things happen for a reason. I am a religious person, and my faith helps me take a deeper breath every time I reach my emotional limit. It’s my safe harbor, turning my river waters into calmer meadows, so I can move on.

If the Wind is Not on Your Favor, Adjust the Sail

Combining faith and lupus helps me see the world with different eyes, and makes me more compassionate about myself and others. Embrace the chance to enjoy little pleasures, feel fortunate to live and be grateful for every single moment of joy.

I have become more involved in my community, aiming to be a change agent for things I believe can be improved. I want to make a positive impact in other people’s lives who deal with lupus, educate my family and friends. It may be through talking, listening, helping, or writing this blog, showing up, being vulnerable and giving hope for those who need an extra wave of love.

Pot Luck

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” We carry a bunch of leftovers in life that we don’t like anymore, so it needs to be trashed.

What I am trying to say is if something does not make you a better person, and makes you happy, move on. We get different as we grow older and hopefully become a better being. What has worked in the past may not work today.

Becoming

 Consider taking a break to write a love letter to yourself. List things lupus has taught you, and how you would like to feel better with what life offers today.

Journaling works well for me. It’s a way to check how I am evolving when dealing with my personal issues and how I behave differently today in comparison to the past.

There are things we control, and others we don’t. But with the ones we do, every smart step we make can influence us and others in a positive way. It makes us feel empowered, happier and proud of ourselves, making our challenges smaller.

If we behave differently, the outcomes will change. Pause and check if the person you want to become is aligned with your present actions. If not, adjust your course. There is always room to bring more quality to our lives and to others, no matter how we feel.

A smile on our faces, and treating others as you want them to treat us, will surely make us be happier and feel stronger.

Yours truly,

Hope

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.” – Simone de Beauvoir