In the past five years, I’ve seen and experienced with some of my friends and family who have struggled or who are struggling with health issues or a physical impairment. I truly admire their strength, courage and passion for life, their accomplishments. Even though it’s not as easy as someone who is completely healthy and has their legs, they are determined not to give up.
We all experience friends or family with these circumstances and bless those who haven’t. Even I have struggled with health issues. So bad, that I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease six years ago. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, which, if not taken care of, may become colon cancer.
Since I was diagnosed, I’ve changed my diet, my daily routine, and tried to be stress free so it won’t flare up. It requires a lot of dedication and will power. Believe me, there are so many things I love but can’t eat!! Overall, these experiences made me think how grateful I am for being healthy now, for my body and everything that comes with it. I definitely look at the bright side. It could be worse. I could have had the colon cancer if I had not taken care of it earlier.
Unfortunately, there are many occurrences in life that are not even worth appreciating. At least not at first glance, but when you look under the surface you can see that all events serve a bigger purpose. It’s all about perspective, and if you observe carefully enough, you will see the gift in everyone and everything in life; even if the gift is just realizing how to be more forgiving and kind.
My body is one out of many important things I am grateful for and appreciate in life. I love every single thing about it and I’m grateful for it being whole. It’s just a wonderland! It’s my temple, and I need to take care of it. Just every scar, every freckle, every corner, it’s amazing.
I am grateful for….
Hands that let me caress my pup’s soft fur. They let me smear off the sad or happy tears of a loved one or friend, write a letter to someone across the state, send e-mails, blog, and even create this post.
Arms that let me give out a warm hug on a tough day, or even snuggle with those I care about and love.
Eyes that let me see the sparkling stars at night, the rays of sunshine peeking through wispy clouds, an amazing mountain view, see your loved ones grow, look deeply into someone’s eyes as you see your reflection, a breathtaking sunset or even a football game; just the beauty that is everywhere.
Ears that let me listen to birds chirping, a friend’s voice, infectious laughter, and kind, heartwarming words.
A nose that lets me smell the flowers in my neighbor’s garden, the irresistible cologne that your significant other wears, fresh air, homemade food.
A voice that lets me express my feelings, state my opinions, let me tell a bedtime story, sing in the shower, say I love you.
Lips that let me feel the anticipation of a kiss.
Legs that let me run a mile, ride a bike, take my dog for a walk, drive, jump.
A heart that lets me know I am alive by each beat it makes, gets in the way of a decision I am trying to make, lets me know when I love someone or something.
I am grateful to be able to feel the warm summer day and the cool gentle breeze; for a quiet, peaceful, fully functional, healthy brain. It’s amazing when you grasp an attitude of appreciation, you become bigger than the barriers you are confronted with, and you find ways to admire all aspects of your life. (Believe me, I learned the hard way.) Plus, the more you concentrate on what you appreciate, the more you attract positive experiences into your life to further appreciate. Go ahead, try it.
Appreciative Revolutionary: Cheila Esquilin (@RdGarnet)
Bio: My name is Cheila. I was born in Bronx, NY and raised in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico throughout my pre-adulthood; currently living in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD. I am a hopelessly realistic woman with a great imagination and creativity. A chicken wings eating, Summertime loving, No bull-sh*#@ having, Vodka drinking, Sports freak addict.
I consider my blog my online home. It’s a haphazard accumulation of my random thoughts, my achievements; a way to express every line/word in an unalloyed, unadulterated, undiluted matter. It’s just a little slice of me; pouring my thoughts through these standard lines.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Butter Crunch w/strawberry topping of course from Friendly’s
I appreciate Cheila’s incredible strength and maturity, and her zest for life!
