Lupus Does Not Define Me

Lester Levenson used to say, 'Release and allow yourself to see the perfection where the seeming imperfection seems to be.' During this process, welcome your thoughts, your sensations, your feelings, and the stories that you tell yourself. Just allow them all to be here, and know that everything is okay as it is. Part of what happens when we release this is that we start to recognize the perfection underlying our thoughts and feelings. Begin by making yourself comfortable and focusing your attention inwardly. Now, bring to mind ... an issue that's currently up in your awareness. As you think about that situation, problem, intention, or goal, allow yourself to get in touch with your feelings about it right in this very moment.
Hale Dwoskin

Recently, my battle with lupus has hit a bit of a snag. These past few years, especially, have been hard. Sometimes I feel as if I will never get better, that it will consume me. I long for the days when I was healthy, athletic, playing tennis and winning tournaments, coaching, just doing those things I loved.

But there comes a time in everyone's life when they must accept reality, and, most importantly, not let it define them. Yes, lupus sucks, and dealing with it is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But it will not defeat me, it will not prevent me from doing what I feel I was put on this earth to do, and that is to work with kids and help people. I wish to be defined by the positive things in my life, not the negative. On days like this, it's really important that I remember that.