There’s no doubt that COPD has caused changes in your life – physical changes to be sure, but emotional changes too. You may now have some anxiety you never had before, concern about the future, your finances, feelings of frustration or regret, or other issues.
But is it possible that having COPD has led to some changes for the better? What? What a weird question! Um…let’s see… you have this disease, COPD, which – to be blunt – can be pretty bad. It is progressive and currently incurable. The changes are hard to take and impossible to ignore. We might say that people with COPD have been dealt a difficult hand to play.
With that said, though, could it be that in addition to all the challenges, some things are different in a good way?
Jo-Von Tucker, a lady with COPD and patient advocate, wrote, “Do you ever take the time to reflect on how living with COPD has affected you? I don't mean the loss of things we can no longer do because of our physical restrictions. I’m talking about the way we look at ourselves and others. It's funny how, when we are faced with illness and/or disability, life has a way of teaching us some very good lessons – whether we want them or not…Being mindful of other people's feelings and needs helps us become less centered on our own problems – and it certainly makes us easier to be around! It opens doors to new understanding and helps bring peace to our own state of mind. And with that, we may help and comfort others. And when we help others, we help ourselves as well.”
Has having COPD caused you to become more sensitive to the feelings of others? Has it made you better able to understand someone else's challenges? Has it made you more grateful, more patient, more tolerant, more compassionate?
On the other hand, maybe you don’t feel this way. Maybe this is a dark time for you, and you’re not sure what you’re feeling right now. And you know what? That’s okay. Just know this…you are not alone, and you can look forward to a brighter day.
Let’s hear from you. Has COPD brought about changes for the better in you?