A Thank You Note To My Chronic Illness

Dear Chronic Illness,

Although you have made my life so hard I wanted to thank you. If it wasn’t for you I would have never found myself. I wouldn’t be the mental health and chronic illness advocate that I am today if you didn’t come and wreck my life.

As crazy as it sounds I’m thankful for you because without you I would have never found my strength. I wish it didn’t take me being severely ill for me to find myself but a part of me will always be thankful for the strength I have gained from this nightmare.

There are things that you have taught me about myself that I would have never learned if I wasn't diagnosed with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome, chronic migraines and multiple mental illnesses. The strength one gains from being chronically ill is a strength like no other. I began to realize that I had already hit rock bottom and survived. I knew that I could overcome whatever life throws at me that I had the

willpower to continue.

You came into my life and completely shook up my world and everything that I knew. I thought that I had already found myself but oh was I wrong. I didn’t know what you were about to teach me. I went from living a “normal” teenage life to my life being drastically changed in the blink of an eye. The time that was meant for school was spent at doctors appointments. The time that was meant to be spent with friends was spent at home alone scared to go out due to pain and anxiety. When I was meant to be at college working towards my goals I spent my days in a long term therapy program instead, but you know what? If none of that didn’t happen I wouldn’t be where I am now. I would have never realized my worth.

I wouldn’t have realized how strong I am and that I can do this. I’m not going to lie, this life is far from easy but when you finally begin to realize that you will come out stronger than before it makes it just a little easier. You continue to show me that some of the most beautiful blessings life has to offer come from our hardest moments, and for that I will forever be grateful for this beautiful disaster. The girl I am today will pick herself up, wipe her tears and keep going because of you. Before you came into my life I would just give in and want to give up but not anymore and I have you to thank for that.

Sincerely,

Abby

For More, Follow Abby on Instagram: @amplified.abby