The Secret of Change: Spend Your Energy Wisely with Chronic Illness

Something about this quote helps shift my brain into ‘soldier mode’ on demand. It is a tap on the shoulder as I’m gazing behind with drunken, romance laden eyes. It jerks me back to the present moment, and reminds me to focus on what’s ahead.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

Chronic illness is a monster consumer of energy, leaving little to spare. Why waste it on unnecessary thoughts and unchangeable circumstances? So I ask myself, “what can I do to make things better? Is there something I’d like to create for myself today? How can I become a better person?” I nudge the fear of pain aside, and focus on my task at hand. The self judgmental voice in my head says, “look how slow you are. What’s the point of even starting?”, and I tell it to shut up.

I often frustrate myself for no good reason, chaining myself to linear time, or illusionary ways of living. I fail more than I succeed, but I want to try again. We need to keep working on our future, bit by bit, brick by brick. There is no other way, especially not for those of us who are already slower to begin with. So just keep focussing on strengthening the new thing that you’re headed for, even if it’s in an infantile position. Forget about the old baggage – how great you once were, or how shitty your life has been. Just move forward.

For More in the “Quotes to Last You Through the Year Series”:
1. Life is a Long Process of Becoming Into
2. Every Next Level of Your Life Will Demand a Different You
3. Seeking Passion: What Sets Your Soul on Fire?

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