This is the last re-post that I wanted to share. During the holiday season, not everyone feels festive and can celebrate care free. There are many who are preoccupied with health issues that make it difficult to do daily tasks. So after you read this, go check on someone who is not doing so well. A little encouragement goes a long way.

Originally posted December 5, 2016

Many people experience sickness at some point in life. Whether it’s a mild cold, allergies or a life altering disease, illness of any kind can take on a life of its own. When it comes to critical illnesses that have potential to be fatal, one can easily get overwhelmed. In regards to these critical illnesses, people tend to look for cures and instant healing. A treatment will eliminate the current flare-up of a disease while instant healing is considered a miracle because it is complete restoration. But some illnesses are lifelong creating dis-ease and long suffering for the afflicted person.

Experience has taught me that when one finds themselves having to address a chronic disease, there are three steps that should be taken immediately. I’d like to share them with you. But first you need to know a few things about me.

• I am not a doctor but a patient
• I also have a little care giving experience
• These are steps I’ve learned in my experience
• These are recommendations that have proven to be useful

It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with diabetes, sarcoidosis, heart disease, cancer, MS or any other illness; being sick totally sucks. It’s also an opportunity for personal growth and elevation. The 3 steps may seem simple, but don’t underestimate the power beneath the simplicity.

1. Prayer
2. Practitioners of faith
3. Personal responsibility

PRAYER: Even if you don’t consider yourself to be spiritual, no one knows the inner workings of your body better than the Creator. Be wise enough to seek God’s counsel. This is not your everyday devotional prayer. BE SPECIFIC!

• Thank God for your life up to this point: many people die suddenly without knowing they were sick
• Thank God for the diagnosis, it’s an opportunity for healing: it may take a long time or you may have to learn to live with it. Either way it’s a chance at life. Make the best of it.
• Ask God for guidance in decision making regarding treatment.
• Ask God for courage and strength to endure the process: some days will be horrible, downright traumatic and a struggle to get thru but it’s possible. Other days will be good. You will need divine strength, trust me.

PRACTITIONERS OF FAITH: Try to select doctors of faith for your treatments. To be fair, any doctor worth their salt should try to provide the best service possible. Sometimes red tape and limited resources get in the way.

• A doctor of faith will be more aggressive in your treatment plan
• A doctor of faith understands that where science falls short God fills in the gap
• Grace and mercy are included in your treatment plan even if your doctor didn’t order it, it helps if they believe in these partners

SELF RESPONSIBILITY: Take responsibility for your role and participate in the process.

• Learn as much as you can about your ailment and how it changes the function of your body
• Diet: find out what diet best supports you and follow it. Disease can cause your body not to process food appropriately so be sure to avoid foods that make ailments worse.
• Take medication as prescribed. (I know, no one likes popping pills all day). Many times the meds offer support to the body to make up for the breakdown caused by the ailment.
• Keep a notebook with all your questions and take it to every doctor appointment. Take notes on every thing discussed. If your doctor says anything you don’t understand, question it and get clarity. Most doctors welcome questions because informed patients tend to improve better and heal faster. If a doctor doesn’t take the time to answer your questions, let that be the sign it is not a good fit for you. Research other professionals.
• Ask doctors about alternative treatments.  Research on your own and consult a natural holistic specialist to find out what can be included in your treatment. Natural remedies and herbs have many great benefits but must be used correctly or they can be harmful if you don’t know what you are doing.
• Get a support system: family, friends, other patients
• Don’t be afraid to seek professional help: chronic illness gets to be overwhelming sometimes and can cause drastic changes to one’s life. A professional can help you navigate through it and treat depression if necessary.
• Exercise, do whatever you are physically able to do. Keep moving.
• Keep appointments and be open about your experience. Silence only adds to the negative effects of the disease
• Keep moving forward in your life activities, dreams and goals.

You may have to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate the downside of the ailments but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You can still live a long life, live well and prosper. Remember, a chronic disease is something you have to dominate. Don’t allow it to define who you are. When healing is a process your journey doesn’t stop, it just gets some unexpected seasoning.

Live your testimony and smile along the way, each smile reveals the blessings.