Living Beyond a Diagnosis
I used to consider and believe myself to be a disabled artist, profoundly shaped by my brain injury and autoimmune diseases. Through personal growth, guidance, and insights, I’ve come to a deeper understanding: I am so much more than any label or diagnosis. It’s common to seek solutions from the outside, and while a medical diagnosis can provide clarity and a treatment plan, it’s essential to remember that we are more than our diagnosis—we are capable of so much more. I’m an artist despite any label.
A diagnosis is an opinion provided by professionals based on observable symptoms and often a standardized set of criteria or tests. It helps understand what might be happening in your body or mind and suggests ways to manage these symptoms effectively. While the relief of understanding what's going on in your body can be hard to hear, it can also bring clarity and peace. Yet, it’s crucial not to let this diagnosis or label define who we are.
Labels can be self-limiting. When assigned a label—whether it’s disabled, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Brain Injury, Autoimmune disease, or any other condition or "illness," or even labeled by society as a Survivor—it’s easy to start seeing ourselves purely through that lens, making it hard to see beyond the challenges. This self-stigmatization can reduce your sense of self-worth and impact how you interact with others.
We are friends, family members, professionals, entrepreneurs, crafters, artists, dreamers, and much more. A diagnosis is just a small part of our entire being. It doesn’t define our hopes, talents, dreams, experiences, or potential.
I’ve come to realize the importance of viewing myself holistically, rather than focusing on what I believe are my weaknesses or limitations. These conditions, while impactful, do not encompass my identity.
Ways to Shift from Being Defined by a Diagnosis or illness to Loving Your True Self:
Ways to Shift from Being Defined by a Diagnosis or illness to Loving Your True Self:
1. Focus on Strengths: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate your strengths and achievements.
2. Set Personal Goals: Define goals that reflect your passions and dreams, not just your medical or therapeutic needs.
3. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in practices like meditation or journaling to stay connected with your whole self.
4. Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who see and appreciate you for all that you are.
5. Educate Yourself: Understand your diagnosis but also learn about other aspects of life that intrigue you. Knowledge is empowering.
6.Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities such as art, music, writing, or any form of expression that brings joy and fulfillment.
7. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and positivity.
8. Gratitude Practice: Regularly note things you are thankful for to shift focus from challenges to positive aspects of life, fostering resilience.
9. Learn to Rest: Recognize the importance of self-care and rest in nurturing your well-being. Listen to your body and mind, allowing yourself time to recharge and rejuvenate.
2. Set Personal Goals: Define goals that reflect your passions and dreams, not just your medical or therapeutic needs.
3. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in practices like meditation or journaling to stay connected with your whole self.
4. Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who see and appreciate you for all that you are.
5. Educate Yourself: Understand your diagnosis but also learn about other aspects of life that intrigue you. Knowledge is empowering.
6.Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities such as art, music, writing, or any form of expression that brings joy and fulfillment.
7. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and positivity.
8. Gratitude Practice: Regularly note things you are thankful for to shift focus from challenges to positive aspects of life, fostering resilience.
9. Learn to Rest: Recognize the importance of self-care and rest in nurturing your well-being. Listen to your body and mind, allowing yourself time to recharge and rejuvenate.
10. Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience. Instead of being critical or judgmental towards yourself for your limitations or struggles, offer yourself the same level of empathy and support that you would to a friend.
Inner strength, resilience, and adaptability — these inherent traits enable us to thrive beyond the confines of any label. Cultivating a mindset that values growth, learning, and self-discovery can stop the overshadowing nature of an illness, paving the way for a truly enriched life.
Living beyond your diagnosis involves loving all facets of yourself—your abilities, aspirations, and individuality. Recognize the fullness of your being and live a life that transcends any label, struggle or condition. Love your uniqueness, celebrate your journey, and continue to nurture your inner light. Remember, you are not defined by any diagnosis or illness — you are defined by your courage, resilience, and the love you have for your true self. Embrace that love, and let it guide you towards a life filled with self-acceptance, positivity, and fulfillment.
Living beyond your diagnosis involves loving all facets of yourself—your abilities, aspirations, and individuality. Recognize the fullness of your being and live a life that transcends any label, struggle or condition. Love your uniqueness, celebrate your journey, and continue to nurture your inner light. Remember, you are not defined by any diagnosis or illness — you are defined by your courage, resilience, and the love you have for your true self. Embrace that love, and let it guide you towards a life filled with self-acceptance, positivity, and fulfillment.
Always remember to "Trust yourself, believe in yourself, you will never know unless you try".
So, let’s love our complexities and refuse to be confined by any single narrative. By doing so, we honor our authentic selves our "True Colors" and unlock the boundless potential within us. Understand we are all doing the best we can, with the knowledge that we have in any given moment.
Have a creative day!
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for reading.
💕Alisa Marie