How My Life With Chronic Illness Is Like 'The Amazing Race'
On Saturday, June 3rd, 2017, I watched the finale of The Amazing Race, season 29. It was so intense and full of adrenaline. I am happy that #TeamBrookeandScott won this season. Phil Keoghan always brings something new to this reality TV show. In this season every team consisted of two strangers. The contestants had to be paired with someone they had never met before.
For me, it’s fun to watch The Amazing Race. Watching The Amazing Race means we can watch people travel to many countries and have some challenging roadblocks, racing into the finish line to win. I personally like the diversity among the contestants. The drama is a little bit too much to handle though. Many things could come out when we are under pressure.
Before I got sick, of course, I had imagined myself so many times being on The Amazing Race. I believe most people who watch The Amazing Race have imagined themselves in The Amazing Race, right? It must be fun to be able to compete and race around the world.
It’s still fun to watch The Amazing Race even when I have a chronic illness. I realize I will not be able to have that kind of race. Having bronchiectasis means every breath is an effort. It makes it very hard for me to run, climb stairs or travel on an airplane. Everyday activities are as challenging as facing roadblocks and detours in The Amazing Race. Small tasks feel like a big accomplishment. Sometimes I can complete the task and sometimes I can’t. One day at a time.
Our life is an amazing race. Everyone has their own race in their life. They are racing at their own pace and in their own time zone. They have their own challenges and have a choice about the race they want to do in this life. It’s like a journey in a lifetime to learn and grow.
I’m really grateful to have lived for 21 years. I’ve learned many things and made many mistakes. My condition allows me to do self-reflection. I ask to myself: “Am I proud with myself? Am I happy with myself? Am I happy with the things I do?” It makes me aware of the things I really need to do. I want to do the things that make me proud of myself and make me happy with myself.
I’m racing in my own pace and my own time zone to do things that make me proud of myself in my life. I realize that every second I spend in my last days are about making me proud and happy with who I am and the things I do.
The finish line is about feeling content with my own life. I have a different race and it’s still amazing.
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Lead photo via The Amazing Race Facebook page.