5 Ways I Stay Positive Living With Epilepsy
Epilepsy has one job, and one job only. To attempt to make our lives a living hell. We have one job, too, as epilepsy fighters. To return the favor. You see, I refuse to allow epilepsy to steal, kill and destroy my joy. Sure, epilepsy is here and it’s going to be here for a time. However, I’ve got my life to live and I’m going to live it to the fullest regardless of this condition. Yeah, it might get in the way from time to time and I may need to make some adjustments, but that’s OK with me.
The challenge I’m presented with here is an opportunity to grow and become stronger as a person. The more difficult the challenge, the greater opportunity for growth and strength.
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This motivation and inspiration has propelled me forward throughout my entire journey. Becoming diagnosed at age 22, just four months after marriage was not what I was planning or prepared for. This challenged me to the very brink of what I believed I could endure. However, I believe I overcame because I not only have God at the center of my life, I have an incredible husband and an amazing family and I absolutely refused to give up even though my life had been suddenly turned upside down.
From the beginning I’ve reminded myself and shared with others: “Don’t let epilepsy defeat you, let it inspire you.”
5 ways I enjoy staying positive living with epilepsy.
1. Counting blessings
I could spend all my time thinking and reflecting on how terrible and awful my situation is. But you know what? My blessings far outweigh my burdens. So I’d rather think and reflect on that more often. It causes me to smile, brightens my mood, motivates me, inspires me, gives me purpose etc. etc. etc.
2. Pursuing exciting hobbies and interests
Just because a diagnosis comes into my life doesn’t mean life is put on hold. This doesn’t mean life is over. This doesn’t mean I cannot pursue my hobbies, interests, goals and dreams. As a matter of fact, it causes me to be all the more ambitious to want to achieve my goals, in a smart and cautious manner of course. I will live my life, and I will not allow epilepsy to prevent me from living life to the fullest.
3. Trusting and believing in God
Since becoming diagnosed with epilepsy my relationship with God has grown stronger than it’s ever been in all my life. Growing up in a Christian home, marrying an amazing Christian man with an incredible Christian family, I can say what a tremendous blessing to be immersed in God’s love. I believe whatever His plan is, I know I can have complete trust and everything will be OK.
4. Standing together with family, friends, fellow epilepsy fighters and supporters
There are so many people who continually inspire, motivate and encourage me on a daily basis throughout this journey. It’s a beautiful sight to see, us all united in strength rather than shattered and scattered in defeat.
5. A daily reminder to myself: “Today you will rise above epilepsy!”
It’s so important what you tell yourself. Self speak will either hurt you or help you. I never want to tell myself anything that will hurt me. I do my best to avoid this. I’m not perfect. No one is. However, this phrase right here is a great way to start a day.
What methods do you use to stay positive when life decides to take an unexpected turn down a rocky road?
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I've lived with epilepsy for over 10 years, having survived a car crash as a result of a grand mal seizure. I'd been married for only four months at this time. After my diagnosis, I had to stop working, my husband and I lost our home, and had to begin our lives all over again. Inspired by this tragedy, we began researching my condition in order to better my life and the lives of others affected by this condition. We created an online community and organization - The Epilepsy Network (TEN) and also, I created a personal blog about my journey living with epilepsy (tiffanykairos.com). I have now been advocating for this cause for over seven years.
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