As a young girl, I felt invincible. I never thought I would be facing such a hefty challenge. Then one day, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I was devastated. First, I was confused, then I became scared. How could I be sick? I was so full of life, and now I had this diagnosis on top of me.
My parents were there with me every step of the way. They comforted me and helped me understand that while this was my new reality, I could still live my life to the fullest. Although it took some convincing, I was starting to believe them. I slowly began to accept my new reality and find ways to cope with my illness.
To start, I decided to take stock of my life before and after the diagnosis. I took a hard look at what I was doing that was contributing to my present condition and what I could do differently to improve it. I focused on eating healthier, taking time to relax and meditate, and decreasing stress where I could.
As I made these changes in my life, I started to notice a difference in how I felt. I could feel my body regaining its strength and my spirit rising. I was able to focus on what I wanted to do with my life and knew that I could achieve my goals despite my newfound health condition. I had accepted my illness and was now seeing it as a way to grow and do better.
I soon gained the courage to finish my studies and find a job. I was no longer letting my illness hold me back. I was working and living the life I always wanted to live. I was even able to go on a few trips and do some of the outdoor activities that I’d been wanting to try.
I was so proud of myself for making it through and coming out on top. I was now a warrior and a survivor. I finally understood that having Crohn’s Disease didn’t have to define me. Instead, it could be a way for me to embrace life and live it to the fullest. I’d finally found a way to turn my illness into a source of strength and resilience.
My journey with Crohn’s Disease had been a difficult one, but it had also been a journey of triumph. I had gone from a young girl feeling broken and helpless to a warrior and survivor. I had taken an illness that seemed like an obstacle and used it to become a stronger person. No matter what I faced in life, I now knew that I could make it through.