I am going to be genuinely honest right now.
I HATE living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. I find nothing special, beneficial, fun or exciting about living with this disease. It tries to rob me of things I want to do as well as health and strength, and inflicts my life with pain. I hate living with arthritis.
Why do I say this? Am I being negative? No… I am being truthful. I can not embrace something that destroys people’s lives. It makes no sense to me, but that is not the only reason.
My hatred for this disease gives me strength to fight against it and not to give up. I have determined not to let something so evil ruin or rule my life. I decided a long time ago, that I would overcome it and show that I, with the strength of God and the people around me, can live a healthy, happy and strong life despite juvenile rheumatoid arthritis trying to annihilate me.
It is also the revulsion of living with arthritis that sparks my attitude of joy and happiness. It can attack and even attempt to take control of my body, but it cannot have my mind and emotions. When it tries to inflict my joints with searing pain to try to get me down, I ignore it and move forward. No matter what, I will not give up control of my attitude.
I use the hatred I have for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis be part of the fuel, the drive, energy and passion I have for life. Some may have thought from the title of this post that I am depressed. On the contrary, I look forward to what each day brings and what I can learn and accomplish throughout it. I am excited for next week, next month and next year. The journey of life is exciting.
I posted this article because I wanted to be honest with you. I have read many posts about finding the positive in living with arthritis. I have understood and appreciate what people say as they try to outline the silver lining of living with this disease. It is part of human nature to do so, and it makes sense at some level.
I simply wanted to let you know… It is totally fine to say. “I hate this disease.” In fact, go ahead and say it right now. “I hate living with arthritis” or “I hate RA” It may be simple, but I bet it felt a good just a little.
You are not alone, and just because you hate the disease does not mean you can not love life and have a healthy, happy attitude.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis has its goal, and I have mine. I do not embrace or accept it, for the day that I do, will be the day I have given up, and it has won.
I am pulling for every one of you. God Bless you.
http://www.livingwitharthritistoday.com
