First things first; hello! I've been gone awhile, and I don't think anyone really reads this which is totally fine! This is more so a venting space for me and it helps me get out my feelings in regards to POTS. If anyone reads this and relates to what I'm saying; awesome! It's nice to know when someone's feeling the way you do. I've been gone awhile, however, and am planning on doing an overhaul of this blog soon enough. I have some ideas of things I'd like to do but I'm currently dealing with a lot in my life right now.
This post is going to be a bit different. I might have talked about this before but I really just want to get something off of my chest that's been bothering me recently.
I've joined A LOT of support groups in hopes of finding those who can relate to what I'm going through and I've finally found one that fits my wants and needs. It's so positive and I'd love to recommend it if anyone does read this and wants to know what it is (it's on Facebook). The others I've been through, on the other hand...
Well, to be blatantly honest, and I mean no disrespect, they're riddled with negativity!
Having been in a self-perpetuating spiral of darkness a few times myself, I really wanted an environment where I could feel GOOD about where I'm at. I just keep seeing so much negativity on various groups all over the internet (Facebook, Dysautonomia support websites, and even Tumblr sometimes).
What really stands out to me the most is how many people say "I will never be able to do this".
This kind of mindset is really depressing and it just hurts my heart to know that some people feel this way. I'm by no means saying that my situation is any more important or special than anyone else's nor am I saying that my situation is how everyone else's is too.
I totally get that things can get tough because I've been there myself.
It's just this self-defeating mindset that really troubles me. I'm sure many have seen the miracles that others have gone through, most prominently featured are the stories of those who are told they will never walk again -- but they do!
Dysautonomia and other chronic illnesses alike are really crappy, I agree, but saying that we can't do things because of our illness just depresses me. My parents used to tell me all the time that you'll never be able to do something if you give up before you even try. I used to get defensive and I never believed them... Until now.
I threw away this thought process of "I can't" to "I can; but how?". I problem solve, and I know a few others who try to do this too. It's about finding the positivity in your life and how to combat these problems rather than simmering in the depression that can come along with this. Yes, your life might change, but does that mean you should act like it's over?
We're all amazing individuals and while we might not be able to do something the same way we used to we can easily find ways to get around it. If you love something enough, then you can find a way to make it work. We're strong, we're beautiful, and we may get knocked down quite a few times before we're given the opportunity to get back up again - but the concept is that you try, try, try again until you succeed. Change and progress doesn't happen overnight; it takes hard work and effort.
I'll continue to have faith for myself and everyone else, that these illnesses will NOT beat us. They do NOT define who we are and I will continue to live my life in a way that I see fit regardless of what my illness might have to say about it.
I don't mean any disrespect by this post, of course, especially because I do understand depression and feeling defeated as I deal with all these feelings myself. I just really want others to see that you CAN do anything. I've achieved quite a few of my goals and am on my way to achieving my dreams.
As Shia LaBeouf is well known for saying now... "Don't let your dreams be dreams; Just do it."
Thank you and I love you all. You're going to make it through this. <3
Love and hugs,
Rosie
