Chronic illness will forever affect a patient’s outlook on life. Sometimes, the outlook depends on how the patient physically feels in that moment.

After my previously dependable health went downhill with a diagnosis of late-stage chronic Lyme Disease and POTS, it was easy to think about how much simpler and beautiful life was before all of this mess. It became harder to think about the future, getting through the day, the next month or the next year.

It wasn’t until I discovered a few simple practices that I was able to consistently be grateful, regardless of the physical pain, exhaustion and financial burdens.

1. At the beginning, middle and end of the day, remind yourself of the things that went right, or rather, the ones that didn’t go wrong.

   You don’t have to write it down; especially if your eye sight is bothering you or your hands are shaky. But saying it aloud to yourself, to a loved one or even in your mind, is a form of meditation and helps refocus your energy from the negative, to the less negative.

2. Ruminate about your entourage.

   I use the term entourage, but I am really referring to your supporters, caregivers and loved ones who take the time to try and make things better. The tremendous love that your support group shows is the most real form of love that we as humans are capable of. This compassion fills my heart with gratitude whenever I think about it, whether it is about one person or a dozen.

3. Focus on your talents.

   Think about the things you’re good at. And when you are physically well enough, do those things. It is easy to think about what you can no longer do in the midst of a chronic illness. But when that happens, know that you do have other talents. You just have to discover them. Discovering new talents because of your illness is a way to channel your energy into something to look forward to.

4. Thank the good doctors.

   Whether you are thanking the doctor who (finally) diagnosed you, a specialist who has particularly good bed-side manner, a surgeon who performed a successful surgery or your primary care physician who is always there to look at the whole picture, remember them. And thank them. Because as you know, not all doctors think outside the box, which is what we need in the rare disease world. The good ones, who you are connected to, are people to be thankful for.

5. Remember that all life is precious.

   Believe it or not, you are evolving and helping those around you to change. Whether you are learning valuable life lessons through this battle, or teaching those around you empathy, your presence has meaning. M. Scott Peck, M.D. once said in The Road Less Traveled, “Life is difficult…Yet it is in this whole process of meeting and solving problems that life has its meaning. Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and our wisdom.”

I am no stranger to the “easier said than done” thought process. But if you try to employ some of these practices into your daily life, you might find the gratitude you want and perhaps need this Thanksgiving Holiday.

What helps you to remain grateful even in times of great pain? Comment below or share this article with someone you know who might need some motivation to be thankful this #NERVEmber.