This week’s stories go a little philosophical as we muse on love vs dignity. There’s also a secret tip on how to attract the best kinds of people in the universe (hint: it’s kind of a wussy thing to do). Finally, I share my experience of the year I caught tuberculosis. It formed an alliance with my steroid meds to wreak unspeakable havoc to my body. I hope you enjoy these short stories, and have a lovely weekend!
12. Why Dignity (not Love) Will Keep You Alive
“They say that love conquers all, that love is all that matters, that love is all you need. But love will not keep you alive. When you’ve hit rock bottom where your mind and body is worn out, love can lose all meaning. Perhaps it’s just a temporary state, but that’s enough of a pause for anyone to end it all.”
13. How to Attract the Best People in the Universe
“How do you define ‘fair contribution’, when good health becomes the ‘privilege’? How do you calculate effort when we didn’t begin running from the same starting line?”
14. The Year I Couldn’t Drink Coffee
“It was a year of nightmares. Of living in constant fear, never knowing when an episode would strike, or what would trigger it next. Of not being able to eat or drink well, or being able to partake in a good meal with friends. Of feeling like a criminal, as I couldn’t leave the country. Of feeling like a child, as a nurse had to supervise my medicine intake every day. Of feeling useless, helpless, in pain, and messed up in the head.”