The Chiarian’s Creed

I promise to accept the fact that I have Chiari
Malformation, a neurological disorder which will
limit my abilities in my everyday life.

While I will always have Chiari, some days will be
good and some days will be bad. I will be thankful
for the good days and try to make the most of them.
When I am having a bad day, I will try to remember
that most likely it will not last.

When I am having a bad day, I will listen to my body,
and get the rest that I need. I will let my family
know that I am not feeling well, because they cannot
read my mind.

I will not feel guilty about resting, because I will
eventually begin to feel better, and in the long run,
it will also benefit my family. They will not become
malnourished if they eat peanut butter
sandwiches for dinner.

I will not feel guilty or worry about the work that
is not getting done while I am resting. The world
will not all apart without me, even though it looks
like it already has.

I will not let anyone else make me feel guilty for
taking time out for myself. They will never understand
exactly what I am experiencing, the pain that I feel,
the exhaustion that I feel. They will never understand
the fear that I feel when my symptoms creep up on me,
and land me flat on my back.

I promise not to feel sorry for myself when I am
feeling bad, because there are a lot of people out
there who are in worse shape than I am. I will not be
sorry for what I don’t have, but be thankful for what
I do have.

I promise to learn a lesson from my illness, which is
not to take life for granted. I will enjoy every moment
that was given to me, and be thankful for the times
that I can smile and laugh.

I will try to help others who also suffer from my
condition. There are many confused and frightened people
who need to hear comforting words from someone who has
been there. There are many people who need me to take
his or her hand and be pointed in the right direction.

Lastly, I will not ask, “Why me?” While Chiari has
weakened my physical body, it has strengthened my heart,
my soul, and my spirit.