Because of Lyme

I can't believe it has been a week since I left Hansa. Where does the time go? I don't think I realized how different my life would be when I came home. One of the big reasons is because I have gone back to school. Not anything crazy, just one class. But for someone who has been living the life of the chronically ill this can monumental. I am taking a class because I want to which is also different for me. This is not out of necessity. Of course things are different too because I am healing. I am getting better. I still am not sure how to say I feel physically. I am still having a lot of my symptoms but a week later I would say they are less. Next week is my typically bad week so I am excited to see how it goes. Emotionally and mentally well the positive attitude thing is a bigger deal than I ever thought. It is an everyday struggle to not fall back into bad habits. I have to fight to keep  my mind in the right place all day long. I am finding though that I am happier. My husband certainly notices that difference. People seem to be nicer. I'm getting lots of smiles, and hellos, and people wanting to start up conversations. So I am now a true believer in the power of a positive attitude. Gosh I have so much I want to say about some life long friendships I have made, and details on what specifically has improved but I am going to save that for another day. I have been thinking all week about this experience, the power of the positive and how blessed I am and I started realizing there are a lot of things I have because of Lyme. I feel like they are important to share with you all. So here it goes.

Because of Lyme:
My faith in God grew
I've learned to give up control and totally rely on God
I've learned what is really important in life
I've learned what real friends are
Because of Lyme:
I am making healthier choices for myself and my family
I've seen a whole new side to medicine and healing
I've learned to be okay with needles
I've made some amazing new friends
Because of Lyme:
I've learned to be positive
I've learned that I am good an empathizing and sympathizing with people
I've found that I can be a great support to someone else
I've learned how to live with less
Because of Lyme:
I've learned to speak up for myself
I've been given the opportunity to chase my dreams
I've learned how truly blessed I am
I get to help lots of people

I guess I could go on and on, but the point is, Lyme has given me so much more positive than negative that I wouldn't trade it this experience even if I had the chance.