Life with chronic illness will never be static. We will always have highs and lows. We may have relapses of sorts that we’ll recover from even though we live with residual symptoms that never go away. We might even say that our best day would be a nightmare compared to a “worst day” for someone without illness.
Slowly but surely though, we do have the ability to achieve some level of recovery. What does recovery look like for you? And how do you respond when you’re actually there? Is it even a destination or actually just a spot on the horizon that we’re always striving to move towards?
When you have a good day, do you make the most of it or treat it with cautious optimism? Granted, it’s tempting to jump back into “busy mode” when we have a great day but it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods. My theory around recovery of any type involves a 5-step process.
- Bad days dominate – life on the “dark side” really sucks, it’s scary and even creepy sometimes
- Bad days sprinkled with good days – they are brief glimpses of the light, giving hope, then fizzling out
- Even split between good and bad days – the light comes and goes, it’s almost dizzying at times but never boring
- Good days sprinkled with bad days – approaching the “light side” but there are pot holes here and there
- Goods days dominate – the brightness is blinding but you’ve got some really cool sun glasses
What step of the process are you at? Or do you even see recovery as a process? I think that even someone living with a terminal illness can experience some level of “recovery” along the way. What do you think?
One of the things that Jennifer Tresh helps teach through the Elena Tresh Foundation is that the support we need during a terminal illness is just as important as the support needed during any other illness. The “recovery” a terminally ill patient can experience is influenced by the family members around them, and that family needs a support system for that very reason.
yes, but I think the 5 step recovery program is possibility of more steps to begin with. First you have to be no longer in denial of your situation. Secondly, you have to truely see yourself a a human being with faults that only you can see whether you are being too critical or not. Third, the willingness to change each of this faults into positive results. Fourth, to know you are not alone that the universe has plans for you and everyone, who takes this journey of recognition of oneself.
How very well-put Morag! When I wrote this my intention was to talk about how we don’t just go from being sick to being well overnight. I love how you’ve added new dimension to my theory. Thanks Morag. ~Trish:-)