What If

On Living With a Chronic Condition

Sweetheart, it’s okay to stop fighting.
It’s not giving up, but coming to terms
with the reality that was not of your choice.
For if combat was an option against
a body that refuses to work the way it once did,
you would be better by now.
The stash of energy that you could draw on before
is now depleted and doesn’t recharge easily.
What if you chose to shower yourself
with kindness and compassion instead?
It wouldn’t undo the physical changes,
but, oh, how it will soothe your weary soul.
It will give you the space to breathe deeply,
What if you treat yourself like
your best friend?
How gentle you would be,
holding them in a warm loving embrace,
meeting them right where they’re at.
What if you allowed yourself to grieve
the life you once lived so easily?
It’s not a sign of weakness or surrender,
but choosing to find some serenity
on a journey that is already wearisome.
I know, sweetheart, that there are days
when it all feels too much, but what if
you took a moment, an hour, a day,
to give yourself a break from the demands in your head
and just be.