Day 25 of Cushing's Awareness: How having Cushing's has made me a better person.

It's not easy to think of the good when you have an illness like Cushing's, but today I want to reflect on how having this disease has made me a better person and the lessons it has taught me that have forever changed who I am and how I see the world differently.

• I have learned the true meaning of compassion.  
• I have learned I am a much stronger person than I ever imagined I could be.
• I have learned to cherish the simple things in life that often get overlooked by the hustle and bustle of life.
• I have learned that there are far, far more important things in life than money.  Of course I wish I had more to make life easier for my family, but love really does make the world go round.
• I have learned to never judge a book by it's cover.  I find it very, very important that my children understand to not judge anyone by their appearances or disabilities.  You really never know what someone is going through.
• Being positive is a wonderful thing, but it is okay to be down and out once in a while.  We are all human after all.  Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows, so why pretend it is?
• I am learning to accept myself and believe in myself.  I still struggle with this because people are judgmental, but I am trying to come to terms with the fact that I am awesome in my own way, even if close minded people can't see past my Cushie appearance.  It really is their loss if they choose to judge me by my looks alone.  I am so much more than this disease.
• I have learned that no matter how rough the storm, every once in a while the sun does still come out and shine down on you.  
• Having Cushing's has allowed me to befriend so many amazing people who are wearing the same shoes I am.  I do not wish this disease on anyone, but without my online support of my fellow Cushie's, well, I really don't know how I would have coped and learned as much as I have today.
• Having Cushing's has allowed me to see that angels really do exist on earth.  
• It has taught me to always, always trust my instincts.
• It has taught me to never give up.  No matter how many times I was shunned, told I wasn't sick, etc.  I never gave up.  I took my much needed mental breaks, but I never gave up believing that I was sick or searching for that one doctor who would finally believe in me.  
• Doctors are human.  Do yourself a favor and cut your losses if you have a bad one who isn't willing to work with you.  There is someone out there who will believe in you and help you find the answers you seek.  It may not always be the ones you want to hear, but a good one will take the time to believe in you and test you until there is no stone unturned.
• Always take time to smell the roses so to speak.  You really never know what tomorrow holds and if there is one thing I have learned from having a near death experience it's that it can all be over in a blink of an eye.  Don't sweat the small stuff, just remember what is really important in life.  Your family, loved ones and friends.
• Always hugs your loved ones and let them know how much you love them.  
• Always strive for your health and happiness.  You are worth it.
• Never, never lose hope.