There’s a phrase I hear quite often in the chronic illness community. This proclamation, for many, is one that summons strength, brings comfort, and conjures an inner resilience. The phrase is, “My chronic illness doesn’t define me.” While I appreciate the sentiment of this phrase, it doesn’t resonate with me. In this post, I explain why and share a different phrase that I identify with.
My Thoughts on the Phrase “My Chronic Illness Doesn’t Define Me”
I think this phrase is popular because it cultivates strength. It defies that chronic illness has power over the individual. It means that people refuse to be controlled by their illness and that they will not stop becoming themselves because of the illness. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
While I understand why this statement cultivates courage in the face of chronic illness, I do not believe these words are true for every individual. Especially for me.
I Prefer a Different Phrase
Instead, I strongly resonate with a statement that sounds similar, but breeds a vastly different result:
“My chronic illness doesn’t define me, but it sure helps.”Let’s take a closer look at this phrase.
“My chronic illness doesn’t define me…”
I agree with this so far. I am so much more than my illness. So in that way, this portion is true; I am not my chronic illness, therefore, my chronic illness does not define me. However…
.”..But it sure helps”
My chronic illness does indeed help define me. I am many things because of my chronic illness that I would not have otherwise been.
I am a chronic illness blogger.
I am a patient advocate.
I am a social media manager for a chronic illness company.
Because of my diagnosis, I am more articulate and outspoken, more vulnerable yet fierce. I am bold. Resilient. Stronger than I was without IBD.
When explaining who I am and why I do the work that I do, I must bring in my chronic illness. Because, the truth is, my illness has infiltrated so many aspects of my life that it actually does help define me.
Ultimately, I Know I’m More Than My Chronic Illness
I know I’m not a busted colon and joint pain linked by a series of colonoscopies. But because of my busted colon, I’m a different person, writer, and employee than I was before my chronic illness diagnosis.
And for that, I’m eternally grateful.