I was young, healthy, and had a beautiful family. I was happy. At least that is what I thought. Then I was stricken with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 34. It was like receiving a death sentence. I thought why me? How could this happen? In hindsight, I didn’t see the big picture. I didn’t know I was on the wrong track in life.
Looking back, I believe this illness happened for a reason. It was my wake-up call telling me to change direction and get my life back on track.
The Wrong Track In Life
Any illness can be a major disruption in your life. I know mine put me in quite a predicament. I had three young children that depended on me. Two young boys at home and a newborn baby girl who was struggling with health challenges.
The pain from my arthritis was severe. It would take me 15 minutes to get out of bed in the morning. Desperate to feel better, I would have done anything to fix the situation. I couldn’t keep living like this, so I had to find another way. It was at that moment I realized I was on the wrong track.
I was stuck. I felt awful, but I was determined to be healthy again. I realized there had to be a better way to heal; I just needed to find it, and I did.
Turning The Wheel
It was a pivotal moment in my life when I made the decision to reclaim my health. But the realization dawned on me slowly. I began my healing process by turning the wheel and making positive changes in my life.
It started with research. I read everything I could about natural ways to heal. I discovered holistic health, and couldn’t get enough. Even if it didn’t look like a plausible cure, I learned from what I read. Natural health became my passion.
As I researched, I found alternative ways to heal. Many of them I would try just to see if they helped. Back then, many of the therapies I sought were not popular like they are today. Therapies like EFT, Quantum Touch, Trigger Point Therapy, and Reiki.
While trying different treatments, I also detoxed my body and cleaned up my diet. I dealt with my emotions and taught myself to be mindful. Stress from emotions can have a negative impact on your healing. My favorite therapy for emotions is EFT. It helped me jump-start my healing when I felt I had plateaued.
I left all my options open. In essence, I found a healing path that worked best for me. You can too.
Today, I no longer live with pain.
Stop, Think, Then Make Changes
I thought I was happy and had everything. But getting diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis got my attention. It was time to change my life.
If I hadn’t made positive changes, my situation could have been a train wreck. My health would have continued to deteriorate, and my lifestyle compromised.
By treating your illness as a blessing, you are viewing it as a positive in your life. A chance to get your life back on track. Even if you are healthy but feel you could be happier, it could be your wake-up call. Don’t ignore subtle symptoms that could lead to a debilitating disease. It’s your chance to stop, look, and make a change.
Think about what you can do to get healthier, to be happier. Maybe your food choices could be better. Or you need to reduce stress in your life. Perhaps it’s time to separate yourself from toxic people and their negativity.
Whatever it is, hit that reset button and move forward.
These days, I listen to my body. If I feel something is not quite right, I make adjustments. Maybe I take a supplement, meditate or get extra rest. Whatever it is, I make positive changes.
Now when presented with smaller obstacles in my path, I stop and think. Is there another way I can go that will be better for me? If so, I turn and head in that direction.
Life is an incredible journey full of discovery and learning. By viewing your afflictions as blessings, you give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime.
Peace and be well,
Founder of Maty’s Healthy Products — a line of natural & organic health products made from whole food ingredients
Carolyn Harrington