By Carla Schick
Patients living with an immune globulin (IG)-treated illness often have difficulty finding pleasure in small moments. Life always seems to be consumed by doctors’ visits, infusions, arguments with the insurance company over reimbursement, finding the right treatments, and dealing with family and friends who just don’t seem to understand.
Dealing with all of that, where would patients find the time to appreciate the good things? After all, where is the good in all that? Sometimes it’s hidden, but other times, it is right in front of us but we just can’t see it. Lord Chesterfield, an 18th century British statesman once said, “The value of moments, when cast up, is immense, if well employed; if thrown away, their loss is irrevocable.” Do you appreciate the value of moments?
A couple of Facebook fans recently told us about the moments they’ve captured. Charlotte Gramling shared her amazing experience of hiking five miles for the first time in four years. Now that is an outstanding example of taking hold of an opportunity! She said she felt she had more energy and physical ability that day, so she took advantage of the moment and did something she truly enjoyed. Another fan, Thomas Perry, decided to return to his musical roots. Perry says, “I can play my guitar again and I realize how much fun it is, and it gives me identity. I’m not just a person that has CIDP and had to retire. I’m now a full-time musician.”
Many other IG patients have learned to embrace each moment too. Some take the opportunity to build relationships with people whom they never would have spoken to in the past through a simple introduction at an infusion clinic or an online chat room. Others use their infusion days to seize the opportunity for a nice long nap during treatment. In the middle of a busy week, this is their time to relax. Many patients have found countless moments of happiness with their pets - often in the middle of a stress-filled day. Even patients who find themselves bedridden for a time manage to discover nuggets of happiness by gazing at the blue sky and singing birds outside their window, or by watching all their favorite movies.
Imagine listening to a favorite song, cuddling up with an adored pet, slipping blissfully into a much-needed nap or chatting with your very best friend. These are the moments in life all of us savor. To live without regret means to find joy in the moment, even on those days when things are not going as planned.
Moments of happiness are everywhere, if you know where to look.
Tell us about your moments below.
