I personally do not understand how I grew up with hope and positivity. I am not complaining by any means, but so much has happened in my life that I could have easily gone the other way.
I lost my sister when I was 19 and she was 17. She was born with spinal bifida. The doctors told my parents she would not live long — words we heard often over the next 17 years. She underwent numerous surgeries. I cannot remember how many, but it was more than 30. She could not walk because she was paralyzed from the waist down.
Some people might think “oh what a terrible life,” but they would be wrong. She was the most awe-inspiring person I have ever had the honor of meeting, even though she was my sister.
She was the epitome of the word inspiration. She found everything good. The times she was so sick she had to be hospitalized, she still smiled and loved us and her life. Even after all these years, I miss her so much. But she taught me well. My outlook on life is because of my sister Christy. If you ever had the opportunity to meet her while she still graced us on this earth you would remember her still to this day. She left us in 1987. I still miss you sister.
Just a few years later I would begin my search for answers as to why my health was beginning to go down. That was a 10-year journey from one doctor to another, until finally in 2000 I was diagnosed with indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM). The way they spoke to me about this disease back then made me feel like I had been given a death sentence. Worst-case scenario, it could turn into mast cell leukemia. I had young children, so I left there ready to fight. I never looked back.
I would not accept life as it was now. I would remain positive and never give up hope. I had to keep a cheerful outlook and take control of my thoughts each time they went to the what if’s.
I would not become a victim of this disease. I had to take control of my mind. So instead of dread and grief, I filled my mind with joy and hope for a future watching my children grow up. Though I accepted that life had changed, I had a fighting spirit that I learned from my sister and strength from God.
I was diagnosed 25 years ago. I am still here and have a loving life.
That is why I write these articles. Words have the power to change the world. They can change how you perceive yourself or your circumstances. Everyone needs hope and inspiration to keep fighting. You have the power to choose how you will live and the purpose of your life.
Don’t get me wrong: there are days when I do my share of complaining that it’s not fair I can’t do this or that anymore. But it does not last long.
I start each day with powerful words, reading my Bible. Prayer. Then I spend two hours in Bible study. This is every single morning. I pray for my thoughts to be positive and that I might encourage at least one person that day. It might be in person or on social media. You never know when a person might just need it, and you may change that person’s world forever.
The power of words to reshape a life
My sister changed my world forever. I watched her fight a crippling disease that took her life at such a youthful age. She left me with joy, hope, love, inspiration and lessons on how to never feel defeated. She fought until the end with a smile on her face and a heart full of love for everyone she held dear.
The power of your words to others can have such an impact. Make them positive. Let’s lift each other up and not bring anyone down with words that hurt. Most importantly, do not put yourself down. Love yourself. And if today is bad, then remember tomorrow is a new day. A new beginning.
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