Being Sick Doesn't Make Me 'Broken,' Just Human
I’m not “broken.” I’m not “defective.” I’m not half of a person. I’m not less than I would be if I had a perfectly healthy body.
I’m more. I’ve been to places of pain I never would have imagined I could endure. I’ve traveled to places in my mind that somehow knew how to carry me through levels of illness I didn’t know could exist.
My body and my mind have stretched beyond any limit I thought was possible. Endured. But even more than that, grew. Expanded. Became more.
I’ve been to places that have shown me what’s truly important to me. What really matters. I’ve been through nights I thought would kill me, yet here I am. Smiling. Loving. Finding joy and beauty everywhere.
Being sick isn’t reserved for certain people. It’s not a rare thing that only the unlucky encounter. It’s one of the risks that come with being alive. Being human. And I’m so grateful I’m alive. So glad to be here. Soaking in all that life has to offer. Feeling lousy doesn’t prevent that. Not if I don’t let it.
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Thinkstock photo via Pixland.
Lisa Prins is a binge hobbiest who is constantly throwing herself into many different projects. When she is not well enough to do one, she will find another. Music is her main love. She is a classically trained pianist, vocalist, songwriter, composer and ukulele player. She also enjoys writing, drawing, painting, crocheting, pixel bead art, photography, jewelry making, sewing, playing video games, robot building, and a number of other hobbies. Love, compassion, friendship and understanding are most important to her. They are what gives meaning to her life. Lisa was born with a congenital kidney disease called renal tubular acidosis. This combined with asthma, chronic infections, idiopathic angioedema and anaphylaxis have shaped her into a person who is thrilled to experience every bit of life and love, every sunset and every little joy that life has to offer. She lives with her incredible partner, who is, and has been, her love, her best friend, and, at times, her caregiver. She decided to start contributing her writing in the hopes she can help others know they aren’t alone, and help those who aren’t chronically ill better understand the people around them who are.
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