When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, yo...

When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, you experience a sort of death. In the seconds it takes a medical professional to say the words, your entire life changes.

I experienced this death in the mid-1990s when diagnosed with bipolar disorder and then again about five years ago when diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Nothing really changed with the statement, but my universe felt like it shifted.

Living with illness changes your life. Some things you wanted to achieve will now be impossible. It’s easy to slip into a state of total despair. You may become so fixated on the life you wanted that you’re unable to see any future possibilities.

If that’s where you are, it’s time to stop looking back. You’re still a breathing human being, so your life isn’t over. Your goals may have to change, but your ability to lead a full life is still there.

To move forward, look for the possibilities in your world.

My bipolar diagnosis sent me into a tailspin because I wrapped many of my dreams around the idea of being healthy. I imagined that being tied to medication for the rest of my life would make everything I hoped for unattainable.

My life didn’t end in 1995. I didn’t even start my blog until 2018, and the real growth of my online content only began in 2021. Saying goodbye to my past dreams has enabled me to move in directions I never imagined.

I hate bipolar. It touches every part of my life and distorts much of my world, but it’s also proven to be a gift. The life lessons I’ve learned from mental illness keep me writing. I hope my words will improve the lives of others.

For today, pick something from your past and say goodbye to it. Maybe it’s a relationship, a home, a career, or maybe just a thought process. Give yourself permission to move on and then look to the future.

Your life is not over, but you can’t move forward as long as you’re looking backwards.

Until next time, keep fighting.

This story was originally shared in the Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club. Sign up for free today at: http://ed.gr/d4u2d

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