My perspective on gratitude

I don’t usually write blog posts from my own perspective, but so much has happened in the past few years and I’m feeling immense gratitude to be able to even be here to celebrate Thanksgiving. So, I wanted to share a little about my perspective on gratitude.

Gratitude for my epilepsy

In October 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer. Since that time I have had multiple surgeries, undergone so much chemotherapy I’ve lost count of how many rounds and my body has been through the wringer. This experience clarified for me how important epilepsy advocacy is to me. And the stark differences in the way we as a society treat people with different diagnoses as well as how we approach acute vs chronic illness.

Were it not for my cancer diagnosis, I cannot be certain I would have begun epilepsy coaching. And now epilepsy coaching has had such a positive impact on so many people thanks to the grant from Epilepsy Wellness Advocates. For this I am grateful.

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Gratitude for the epilepsy community

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of families living with epilepsy at Epilepsy Day at Disneyland in California. This was an opportunity to validate their feelings and experiences, and remind them they are not alone. These conversations reminded me how grateful I am to have seizure control as I could very easily have switched places with any one of the families I spoke to had the fates allowed.

Gratitude for my family

These past few years have been extremely difficult for my family. My husband and daughter have been by my side for every treatment and side effect. As has my in-laws and my sisters. My sisters and I have become closer as a result of also having lost our parents at the beginning of this saga. I can never express how grateful I am to my husband, daughter, sisters, cousins, and my friends.  The love and support they have shown is beyond anything I could have expected.

Gratitude for my husband and daughter

It is worth mentioning again. My husband and daughter have essentially supplied the air I breathe. They bring positivity into my life and relieve worry whenever they can. They are the best things that ever happened to me. I am grateful to have them in my life.

Gratitude for me

I have worked hard to focus on the positive despite my circumstances. I believe we have an opportunity to be grateful for this life. It’s not always easy – life and being grateful. But if you give it a second and you start appreciating the little things, eventually you can begin to appreciate you and the space you take up in this world. I will leave you with a quote that is currently my daily reminder:

“We have no cause for anything but gratitude and joy.”
― Buddha