by Jenna Durbin
Life has a way of throwing us off balance, and when you add the challenges of managing a chronic illness, finding equilibrium can become even more elusive. As someone who's been navigating this delicate dance, I can testify to the struggle of maintaining harmony in the midst of controlled chaos. If you're a recovering Type-A personality like me, you know the feeling all too well. But just like checking tire pressure before a long journey, I've recently decided to reassess and recalibrate my life.
Marriage - A Rock Amidst the Storm:
In the whirlwind of life, my wife has been my anchor for the past two decades. She's not only my true love and best friend but also my partner in every sense of the word. Throughout my journey with chronic illness, she has been my confidant, counselor, cheerleader, and advocate. She stood by me during the initial diagnosis, and her support has been unwavering since. Though I consider myself a decent husband, I know there's always room for improvement. Marriage, like anything worth having, requires effort, commitment, and devotion to one another.
Parenthood - A Rewarding Yet Exhausting Ride:
Being a father to four kids, aged 5 to 13, while dealing with chronic illness is both a joy and a challenge. Their love and understanding sustain me, and they see me simply as "Dad," despite my health struggles. Yet, managing my limited energy can be taxing. Balancing quality time with each child is crucial, whether it's helping with homework, engaging in Cub Scouts activities, or being present for preschool adventures. While I might not be perfect, I'm determined to cherish every moment and be the best father I can be.
Work-Life Integration - A Delicate Dance:
In today's fast-paced world, it's tough to untangle our personal and professional lives. As an IT manager, I'm passionate about my work and the industry I'm in, but I've always struggled to strike a perfect work-life balance. Taking some of my work home is almost inevitable, but I strive to establish boundaries to protect my personal time with family.
Faith - A Source of Strength and Purpose:
Beyond family, my faith holds a significant place in my life. It gives me meaning, purpose, and an anchor to weather the storms. Prayer and spirituality provide a unique sense of hope and optimism that nothing else can. My active involvement in the church has been deeply fulfilling, allowing me to worship, connect, and build meaningful relationships with others who seek to live more fulfilling lives.
Health Management - A Constant Responsibility:
With chronic illness, staying on top of health management becomes paramount. Doctor appointments, medications, symptom monitoring, and treatment strategies all demand attention. Even with experience, flares can still catch us off guard, especially when routines deviate on weekends. Staying disciplined in self-care is essential, even when life gets hectic.
Passion Projects - A Fulfilling Endeavor:
HealingWell, my passion project, has grown beyond my wildest dreams. It requires dedication and late hours, but it has been integral to my personal healing and resilience. Supporting over 160,000 members comes with a great sense of responsibility and fulfillment.
Finding Balance - Accepting Imperfection:
In the midst of juggling all these facets of life, I've come to realize that I can't do it all perfectly. Accepting this truth has been challenging, but it's essential for maintaining balance. Regularly reassessing my priorities and making adjustments helps me find harmony. Perhaps I'll start with a long nature walk with my wife tonight - a small step towards creating more balance.
In Conclusion - Striving for Harmony:
Life with chronic illness is a constant dance of balance, and each step can feel like a tightrope walk. Embracing imperfection and recognizing our limitations is key to achieving harmony. Just like checking tire pressure before a journey, regularly evaluating and adjusting our life's balance is a necessary practice. Let's support one another on this journey, finding solace and strength in our shared experiences. Together, we can discover the beauty of resilience in the face of life's challenges.
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