1) CF has made me a survivor. I do not engage in self-pity. I clearly identify what aspects of my life I can influence, what outcomes I want, and I do what I can to realize them. I have broken my CF down into a one day routine that, if followed, will maximize my quality of life (as I define it) and longevity. I follow it. Regarding my daily routine, I don't look too far into the future, and I don't look back. While I am aware of it, it is too much to say "I have to do this every single day forever", and I don't take consolation in looking back and saying I've done this everyday for the last x years. Niether change what I have to do today or tomorrow.
2) CF has driven me to accomplish. While I accept my mortality, I would just prefer not to die in the near future. CF has made me fully appreciate how short life is, and if I want something, I know I better get going. I set short, mid, and long term goals that keep me focused on the daily routine discussed above. As many know, some are athletic based, as the level of fitness required to achieve them has many positive benefits on my health, and its fun. Completing the half ironman, with CF made me feel more alive than words can describe. Others are academic - I am applying to law school for fall of 2008. Personal goals revolve around my wife, and our future family. I know a lot of people, with comfortable, good enough jobs who would say "maybe I'll wait until next year." Before they know it, they are 35 going on 50, and have fewer options. I won't let life pass me by.
3) CF makes me appreciate the little things. I don't take my health for granted, I don't take people I care about for granted. I notice the world around me. I tell people I care about how much they mean to me. Every year, when the snow falls, and I've taken my last bike ride of the year, a voice says "that was amazing. I really hope I can do that again next Spring". Every year when the snow is melting, and I've skied my last run, the same voice says "that was amazing, I really hope I can do that next winter." If the day comes that I can't do those things, at least I will have enjoyed the last one. So many people don't realize what they have until its gone, particularly healthwise. I don't make that mistake.
Chris
27 m w/cf
2) CF has driven me to accomplish. While I accept my mortality, I would just prefer not to die in the near future. CF has made me fully appreciate how short life is, and if I want something, I know I better get going. I set short, mid, and long term goals that keep me focused on the daily routine discussed above. As many know, some are athletic based, as the level of fitness required to achieve them has many positive benefits on my health, and its fun. Completing the half ironman, with CF made me feel more alive than words can describe. Others are academic - I am applying to law school for fall of 2008. Personal goals revolve around my wife, and our future family. I know a lot of people, with comfortable, good enough jobs who would say "maybe I'll wait until next year." Before they know it, they are 35 going on 50, and have fewer options. I won't let life pass me by.
3) CF makes me appreciate the little things. I don't take my health for granted, I don't take people I care about for granted. I notice the world around me. I tell people I care about how much they mean to me. Every year, when the snow falls, and I've taken my last bike ride of the year, a voice says "that was amazing. I really hope I can do that again next Spring". Every year when the snow is melting, and I've skied my last run, the same voice says "that was amazing, I really hope I can do that next winter." If the day comes that I can't do those things, at least I will have enjoyed the last one. So many people don't realize what they have until its gone, particularly healthwise. I don't make that mistake.
Chris
27 m w/cf