How Lupus Taught Me to Live in the Moment

There is a lot to be said about your body showing you exactly who is the boss after a lifetime of thinking it was you. Once you realize that you are just along for the ride, it becomes a little easier to relinquish the keys, so to speak.

I used to figure that I was going to fight this thing called lupus, and do it my way. I was going to push ahead; I didn’t care about the pain, the fatigue, or any of the real consequences. Now, however, I realize that if you live in the moment, things will be a lot easier.

When you live in the moment, worry is something that gets a little attention. Once you accept that worrying isn’t going to change the circumstance, you have to focus on the here and now. It seems that things always manage to work out. Sometimes you may have to work a little harder at something, like making some calls to put plans into action, but worrying is futile and serves no one. As a popular song goes “Don’t worry, be happy.”

Tell people what you think of them; love them, admire them, think they are awesome, and be sure to share that. If something happens to them, you don’t want regret. Regret is caused by a missed opportunity to do something for which you had a deep desire.

Lupus can flip your world upside down, so it is important to take advantage of things that are important to you. If you want to start a new venture, and the timing is right, put plans into place to make it happen. Want to take the trip of a lifetime? Get the wheels rolling toward making it happen. Regrets have no place in the moment. Step out there, and do the things that bring you pleasure. Step out there, and tell people how you feel about them.

Learning how to forgive is another way to live in the moment. If someone has offended you in this present moment, why are you still angry? They probably are living their lives and you are holding on to poison. When you are battling a disease such as lupus, you really don’t need the toxicity of anger and hurt floating around in your body. Just because you forgive, does not mean you have to let the offender back into your life. You just have to evict them from the space they are renting in your head.

Take some “me” time. Take a walk. Listen to some music. Watch your favorite show. Knowing when you need a minute to yourself is key in living in the moment. If you take a few minutes of “me” time daily, you will find that you smile more, and you may even get more done. Take time to tune in to you.

Note: Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lupus News Today, or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lupus.