As the national youth council meeting approaches, I find myself thinking about restructuring/reprioritizing YC projects based on goals. Re-evaluating our mission to have the greatest national (and international) impact is essential in the upcoming year. A communication network between youth councils seems key. I also want to make sure money being spent is being put to its best use. Once again public opinion is considered in depth! So for those of you reading this post, I want to hear your thoughts and ideas! Please comment if anything comes to mind… such as a fundraising idea you’ve toyed with or lack of youth support in your community.
On a festive note, there is nothing quite like the excitement of heading home for the holidays. Struggling through finals week, as horrible as it seemed, reminds me of those youth that never really got the chance to excel academically due to their epilepsy. Of course the number of people in this group is small compared to all people that have epilepsy. Nonetheless, it made me realize that Youth Council is about more than just socially supporting youth with epilepsy… it is about defeating the condition as a whole. And we won’t stop fighting until there is a solution for every issue caused by epilepsy.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Holiday Greetings
Belated Christmas greetings! From everyone in the National Youth Council, we hope you have a beautiful holiday season, and we look forward to trying out some new projects on this blog and through twitter! Eat up those cookies and be merry!
Tis the Season - Belated Holiday Greetings
Tis the season for love and family! Cookies are baked, ugly sweater is made, shopping is done, and presents are unwrapped... :) Life is wonderful! I have been blessed with a beautiful year and am thrilled to be spending the holiday, and ringing in the new year, with great friends and family. Happy Holidays!!
Love.
Sam D
Hi everyone! A few weeks ago I celebrated Chanukah, or "Thanksgivukkah" as it was known to many. It was a great holiday, full of love, Chanukah cookies, and pumpkin pie. I may not celebrate Christmas, but I still love this time of year. It's a time to be joyous and to forget the troubles in your life. For me, it's another time that I am particularly grateful for my family and friends who have supported me through everything. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, celebrate this time of year. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Love,
Sam G
Love.
Sam D
Hi everyone! A few weeks ago I celebrated Chanukah, or "Thanksgivukkah" as it was known to many. It was a great holiday, full of love, Chanukah cookies, and pumpkin pie. I may not celebrate Christmas, but I still love this time of year. It's a time to be joyous and to forget the troubles in your life. For me, it's another time that I am particularly grateful for my family and friends who have supported me through everything. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, celebrate this time of year. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Love,
Sam G
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Realizing the Role of Fear
The following post may seem a bit, well, morbid. That’s because I believe firmly in the power of truth. When I talk about epilepsy I do not sugarcoat the hard parts, nor do I exaggerate or over-dramatize the easy parts. I like to tell it how it is. Most of the time, I talk about how much I love having epilepsy. It has been a significantly positive factor in my life, teaching me new things about myself and making me grateful for all the blessings in my life. While I would certainly never wish epilepsy on anyone else, I would not trade it if I could. But that doesn’t mean that I never struggle with it.
I once heard a story about a child who was diagnosed with epilepsy, asking his father, “Will I die from this?” Although rarely voiced, I cannot pretend that it has never crossed my mind. Will I die from this?
I truly do not believe that I will. Most people do not die from seizures, and my seizures are very well-controlled anyway. The thought is often on the back of my mind, but it’s rarely something I seriously consider. However, every once in a while, epilepsy brings me face-to-face with my own mortality.
Being a frequent follower of epilepsy news, I do read an unfortunate amount of stories of people who have passed away from seizures. Every story is heartbreaking, but I seem to have become somewhat immune. Recently though, one story made me break down in tears. It was about Alyssa Josephine O’Neill (or AJO), a young woman who gained national attention after she passed away from a seizure and her family began performing random acts of kindness in her honor. I read the stories about her which were always accompanied by pictures. I look at these pictures, and I see a young girl with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing formal dresses in one picture while making funny faces from a hospital bed in another. I look at these pictures and I see me.
It’s not that we could have passed for twins; we may have the same hair and eyes yet our features are very different. But I can see myself in her. I can see the girl that’s not afraid to post pictures of herself at the hospital and chooses to joke about it instead. I can see the girl that loves getting all made up and putting on a sparkly dress. I think that’s why her story hit me so hard, despite the fact that I’ve read dozens of these stories.
I shared the story of people acting in her honor because I thought it was beautiful. I bought my pumpkin spice latte for a stranger at Starbucks and had the barista write #AJO on the cup, just like hundreds of others across the country. What I didn’t do was tell anyone that underneath my admiration for this young woman, and her friends and family who kept her soul alive, I was scared for this first time in years. Scared that one day, maybe even tomorrow, that could be me. Now, a few months later, I feel comfortable sharing that fear.
I can share my fear because over the past few months, I have learned two things about fear. The first is that it is relatively useless. I take my medicine, I try to get enough sleep…the rest is out of my hands. It is pointless to spend my time worrying about such a small possibility, when I could be out enjoying my life. In honor of those like Alyssa, the thousands of people who have lost their lives because of epilepsy, I should be living life to its fullest and making the most out of every moment.
The second thing I learned about fear? Sometimes it’s okay to have it. I never wanted to admit that I was scared, but I know now that there is a difference between having fear and being consumed by fear. When you let it take over, that’s when you stop living your life. But having some fear is nothing to be ashamed of, and it doesn’t make you weak. A little bit of fear is normal and is part of what makes us human. It’s okay to be afraid, as long as you stay away from its grasp.
I once heard a story about a child who was diagnosed with epilepsy, asking his father, “Will I die from this?” Although rarely voiced, I cannot pretend that it has never crossed my mind. Will I die from this?
I truly do not believe that I will. Most people do not die from seizures, and my seizures are very well-controlled anyway. The thought is often on the back of my mind, but it’s rarely something I seriously consider. However, every once in a while, epilepsy brings me face-to-face with my own mortality.
Being a frequent follower of epilepsy news, I do read an unfortunate amount of stories of people who have passed away from seizures. Every story is heartbreaking, but I seem to have become somewhat immune. Recently though, one story made me break down in tears. It was about Alyssa Josephine O’Neill (or AJO), a young woman who gained national attention after she passed away from a seizure and her family began performing random acts of kindness in her honor. I read the stories about her which were always accompanied by pictures. I look at these pictures, and I see a young girl with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing formal dresses in one picture while making funny faces from a hospital bed in another. I look at these pictures and I see me.
It’s not that we could have passed for twins; we may have the same hair and eyes yet our features are very different. But I can see myself in her. I can see the girl that’s not afraid to post pictures of herself at the hospital and chooses to joke about it instead. I can see the girl that loves getting all made up and putting on a sparkly dress. I think that’s why her story hit me so hard, despite the fact that I’ve read dozens of these stories.
I shared the story of people acting in her honor because I thought it was beautiful. I bought my pumpkin spice latte for a stranger at Starbucks and had the barista write #AJO on the cup, just like hundreds of others across the country. What I didn’t do was tell anyone that underneath my admiration for this young woman, and her friends and family who kept her soul alive, I was scared for this first time in years. Scared that one day, maybe even tomorrow, that could be me. Now, a few months later, I feel comfortable sharing that fear.
I can share my fear because over the past few months, I have learned two things about fear. The first is that it is relatively useless. I take my medicine, I try to get enough sleep…the rest is out of my hands. It is pointless to spend my time worrying about such a small possibility, when I could be out enjoying my life. In honor of those like Alyssa, the thousands of people who have lost their lives because of epilepsy, I should be living life to its fullest and making the most out of every moment.
The second thing I learned about fear? Sometimes it’s okay to have it. I never wanted to admit that I was scared, but I know now that there is a difference between having fear and being consumed by fear. When you let it take over, that’s when you stop living your life. But having some fear is nothing to be ashamed of, and it doesn’t make you weak. A little bit of fear is normal and is part of what makes us human. It’s okay to be afraid, as long as you stay away from its grasp.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Give Us Some Feedback!
Epilepsy Awareness Month has officially come to a close. Nonetheless, we continue to raise awareness and take strides toward providing support to youth and their parents struggling with some aspect of their condition. The next big thing for National Youth Council is our annual meeting in January. During this meeting we will be discussing tons of new projects and goals for 2014. I personally may not be able to make it to the meeting due to my medical school studies, but I will at least be able to be on a conference call to contribute. This upcoming meeting will truly set the stage for what National Youth Council accomplishes this year. I am excited to work with my friends and colleagues on developing a plan to connect local youth councils from across the nation into a common, supportive network. This is definitely one of our primary goals. Also, we're looking at new members, leaders, projects and feedback systems. Speaking of which, we'd love to hear your feedback and ideas. If there is any particular issue that YOU feel needs addressed in regard to youth with epilepsy then please feel free to let us know as we are looking for more ideas. For any problem/idea you've been contemplating let us know by tweeting @EpilepsyYC or messaging our Facebook at "Youth in Epilepsy". We'll put on our thinking caps and certainly do our best to cover the most prominent issues mentioned. Until then, enjoy your holidays!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Timeout from Finals
The weeks for finals and exams have arrived. Of course, it is a dreaded time of year, and it certainly played a role in the reasoning for why this post was delayed. I have been reading every textbook in site, and the projects seem to appear out of nowhere. As soon as I finish anything, ten more obligations appear, and the stress increases.
I realized about about two seconds into writing this post this week, that writing this post was exactly what I needed to be doing all along. Yes, I committed to writing a post this week for the group, but I truly needed to write this post just to recenter my mind and unwind a bit from the havoc of the week.
All around me are things that I am truly grateful for, and I have been missing out on many of them, since my focus has been down in the books. In no way am I saying that studying is not a worthy cause, but we all need a few small breaks here and there. Study for an hour and then go take a half an hour to do some yoga, talk to friends, catch up with someone, or just breathe. I am wrapping up a ten hour day, so I am going for a quick run the minute I walk in the door.
Take time these next couple of crazy weeks and breathe. It is the holiday season, a time for family, friends, and wonderful memories. Try not to let the exams, projects, and finals keep you down.
Tweets @EpilepsyYC and let us know how you are keeping the stress at bay!
Best wishes!
Maureen
I realized about about two seconds into writing this post this week, that writing this post was exactly what I needed to be doing all along. Yes, I committed to writing a post this week for the group, but I truly needed to write this post just to recenter my mind and unwind a bit from the havoc of the week.
All around me are things that I am truly grateful for, and I have been missing out on many of them, since my focus has been down in the books. In no way am I saying that studying is not a worthy cause, but we all need a few small breaks here and there. Study for an hour and then go take a half an hour to do some yoga, talk to friends, catch up with someone, or just breathe. I am wrapping up a ten hour day, so I am going for a quick run the minute I walk in the door.
Take time these next couple of crazy weeks and breathe. It is the holiday season, a time for family, friends, and wonderful memories. Try not to let the exams, projects, and finals keep you down.
Tweets @EpilepsyYC and let us know how you are keeping the stress at bay!
Best wishes!
Maureen
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving One and All!
Thanksgiving in elementary schools is a huge deal. We spend most of the month of November doing fun activities with kids talking about what they are thankful for. This year as a student teacher I am getting to be a part of all of that fun with my class. I am in 4th grade and love seeing my students work during this time. Children are so honest about things. As we grow older we become afraid of being vulnerable to our peers. This is not a problem for my students.
The things I have seen make me think about all of the many things that I often forget to be thankful for. Even things as simple as love. I am thankful to be loved by my friends, family, and husband. I saw a student put this down and realized that without the love I recieve my life would feel pretty empty. Yet, if you were to ask me what I was thankful for before I do not think that would be what I would say.
At the end of the day love is everything to us. Sometimes the hardest things for adults to identify can be the simplest for children. I see that on a day-to-day basis when I am in the classroom. This Thanksgiving what I am thankful for the most is love. Yes, I stole this from a fourth grader, but it truly is one of the greatest things anyone can get in life.
Without the love of my family and friends in highschool I do not know how I would have made it when I was first diagnosed with epilepsy. They loved me and helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. Love is more than just that butterfly feeling we associate with a relationship. It is when you support someone spiritually, mentally, and emotionally through thick and thin. Sure, love is felt in relationships with our significant other but love is felt between good friends and family as well.
The love my husband has for me is something I am thankful for. We met in highschool and he has supported me through some of the hardest times in my life. He has been there for me when I was having seizures and unable to do things and every day was a battle. He has also been a support system for me in every venture in life though. The love I receive from him on a day-to-day basis can sometimes be what keeps me going.
This Thanksgiving I am breaking down the walls and being vulnerable. Love is what I am thankful for. It makes life better everyday and sometimes I fear I do not let the people who give me this unconditional love enough thanks. I hope that this helps you see beyond any negative things in your life and see the great things you might be blessed with. Make sure you don’t hide it and you are brave enough to be vulnerable and honest. Make sure whatever you choose to be thankful for is truly something to celebrate. Look deep within and find what picks you up at your lowest moments and cheers you on at your greatest!
- Abigail
This is the time of year where families gather to give thanks and blessings over a carbohydrate-heavy meal. This year, try to reflect on your epilepsy diagnosis. How has your life been affected? Where has your diagnosis led you?
Since being diagnosed, I have become involved with many amazing programs developed by the Epilepsy Foundation and affiliate youth councils. I've met wonderful people living with epilepsy from California, Florida, Missouri, and Nevada who strive to live life to the fullest. Most importantly, I have learned from these young advocates who share the same passion for epilepsy awareness as myself and in return have made many lifelong friendships.
So, step into those sweatpants, sit back, enjoy your turkey and pumpkin pie and think about what you are thankful for this year. I'm thankful for my loved ones, my dog, my friends, my health (13 years seizure free!), and Whole Grain Cheez-it's. Happy Turkey Day everyone!
- Emily
Just finished up the final bit of cooking for dinner tonight, and I am thrilled to be sitting down to a simple meal with my family tonight. It makes me mindful of the abundances of blessings in my life. Most of all, I am simply grateful today for the wonderful people in my life. The year has been filled with ups and downs; however, the continuous encouragement and love from everyone around me moves me forward everyday. Sometimes its just the smiles and other days its just hanging out in kitchens shooting the breeze about life, but whatever form love takes, its immense and real.
Forget about the shopping and the sales today, because they will see be here tomorrow. Just sit back tonight smile and see all the wonderful people, talents, and memories you have made, since last Thanksgiving. I hope this coming year is filled with kindness, opportunity, and adventure!
- Maureen
On November 22nd, 2008 I had a tonic-clonic seizure in my dorm room. My roommates talked to my parents on the phone while it was happening, and my parents talked them through appropriate first-aid. When I woke up and felt sick they walked me to the ER down the block and stayed with me until I was ready to go. That was five years ago, and that was the last time I had a seizure. I am thankful that I had friends who could stay level-headed and help me through that night. I am thankful that my parents could support me and my friends from halfway across the country. And I am grateful that that was five years ago. I hope that that will be my last seizure. It could be wishful thinking, but it isn't hopeless thinking. I am thankful that after being seizure-free for five years, I have hope for a life without any more seizures. That hope isn't just for me. My seizures are under control, meaning control is possible. Answers are out there. One day, I know that we will all be thankful for the cure.
The things I have seen make me think about all of the many things that I often forget to be thankful for. Even things as simple as love. I am thankful to be loved by my friends, family, and husband. I saw a student put this down and realized that without the love I recieve my life would feel pretty empty. Yet, if you were to ask me what I was thankful for before I do not think that would be what I would say.
At the end of the day love is everything to us. Sometimes the hardest things for adults to identify can be the simplest for children. I see that on a day-to-day basis when I am in the classroom. This Thanksgiving what I am thankful for the most is love. Yes, I stole this from a fourth grader, but it truly is one of the greatest things anyone can get in life.
Without the love of my family and friends in highschool I do not know how I would have made it when I was first diagnosed with epilepsy. They loved me and helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. Love is more than just that butterfly feeling we associate with a relationship. It is when you support someone spiritually, mentally, and emotionally through thick and thin. Sure, love is felt in relationships with our significant other but love is felt between good friends and family as well.
The love my husband has for me is something I am thankful for. We met in highschool and he has supported me through some of the hardest times in my life. He has been there for me when I was having seizures and unable to do things and every day was a battle. He has also been a support system for me in every venture in life though. The love I receive from him on a day-to-day basis can sometimes be what keeps me going.
This Thanksgiving I am breaking down the walls and being vulnerable. Love is what I am thankful for. It makes life better everyday and sometimes I fear I do not let the people who give me this unconditional love enough thanks. I hope that this helps you see beyond any negative things in your life and see the great things you might be blessed with. Make sure you don’t hide it and you are brave enough to be vulnerable and honest. Make sure whatever you choose to be thankful for is truly something to celebrate. Look deep within and find what picks you up at your lowest moments and cheers you on at your greatest!
- Abigail
This is the time of year where families gather to give thanks and blessings over a carbohydrate-heavy meal. This year, try to reflect on your epilepsy diagnosis. How has your life been affected? Where has your diagnosis led you?
Since being diagnosed, I have become involved with many amazing programs developed by the Epilepsy Foundation and affiliate youth councils. I've met wonderful people living with epilepsy from California, Florida, Missouri, and Nevada who strive to live life to the fullest. Most importantly, I have learned from these young advocates who share the same passion for epilepsy awareness as myself and in return have made many lifelong friendships.
So, step into those sweatpants, sit back, enjoy your turkey and pumpkin pie and think about what you are thankful for this year. I'm thankful for my loved ones, my dog, my friends, my health (13 years seizure free!), and Whole Grain Cheez-it's. Happy Turkey Day everyone!
- Emily
Just finished up the final bit of cooking for dinner tonight, and I am thrilled to be sitting down to a simple meal with my family tonight. It makes me mindful of the abundances of blessings in my life. Most of all, I am simply grateful today for the wonderful people in my life. The year has been filled with ups and downs; however, the continuous encouragement and love from everyone around me moves me forward everyday. Sometimes its just the smiles and other days its just hanging out in kitchens shooting the breeze about life, but whatever form love takes, its immense and real.
Forget about the shopping and the sales today, because they will see be here tomorrow. Just sit back tonight smile and see all the wonderful people, talents, and memories you have made, since last Thanksgiving. I hope this coming year is filled with kindness, opportunity, and adventure!
- Maureen
On November 22nd, 2008 I had a tonic-clonic seizure in my dorm room. My roommates talked to my parents on the phone while it was happening, and my parents talked them through appropriate first-aid. When I woke up and felt sick they walked me to the ER down the block and stayed with me until I was ready to go. That was five years ago, and that was the last time I had a seizure. I am thankful that I had friends who could stay level-headed and help me through that night. I am thankful that my parents could support me and my friends from halfway across the country. And I am grateful that that was five years ago. I hope that that will be my last seizure. It could be wishful thinking, but it isn't hopeless thinking. I am thankful that after being seizure-free for five years, I have hope for a life without any more seizures. That hope isn't just for me. My seizures are under control, meaning control is possible. Answers are out there. One day, I know that we will all be thankful for the cure.
- Sammi G.
With Thanksgiving approaching I have been reflecting on my life and recognizing how thankful I am for the support system in my life. I have some amazing friends and family who have stuck by my side throughout everything that I have been through in life. When I was diagnosed with Epilepsy I was afraid of being alone. The fear that I had initially was something that should have never crossed my mind, due to my support system. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy during my senior year in high school and college seemed like it would take a century to accomplish. Although I was nervous, I set a goal for myself and I am so excited to say that I will be graduating this May to chase my goal as a special educator. My support system reassured me that I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to, regardless of any obstacles or challenges. Looking back on the past couple years I can safely say that they were correct. Although I would not have said this a couple years ago, I can say now that I would not change anything that I have been through. I was truly blessed with an amazing support system and I could not be more thankful for them and where I am today
- Sam D.
Happy Turkey Day from the national youth council! As epilepsy awareness month comes to a close, we are reminded to be thankful for the good health that we do have and to lend a hand to those less fortunate. While many affiliates are finishing up last minute plans for their holiday party/fundraiser, our council has started to formulate plans for the new year. I personally am excited to be able to come home and see my family and friends during winter recess... maybe even get some snowboarding in if its a white Christmas (fingers crossed =P). But I am also super excited for our recent social media reboot, finishing up our peer2peer education program, and getting started on tons of new projects in 2014. This is where we could use your creativity. If there is any particular issue that YOU feel needs addressed in regard to youth with epilepsy then please feel free to let us know as we are looking for more ideas. For any problem/idea you've been contemplating let us know by tweeting @EpilepsyYC or messaging our Facebook at "Youth in Epilepsy". We'll put on our thinking caps and certainly do our best to cover the most prominent issues mentioned. Until then, enjoy your holidays!
- Steve
With Thanksgiving approaching I have been reflecting on my life and recognizing how thankful I am for the support system in my life. I have some amazing friends and family who have stuck by my side throughout everything that I have been through in life. When I was diagnosed with Epilepsy I was afraid of being alone. The fear that I had initially was something that should have never crossed my mind, due to my support system. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy during my senior year in high school and college seemed like it would take a century to accomplish. Although I was nervous, I set a goal for myself and I am so excited to say that I will be graduating this May to chase my goal as a special educator. My support system reassured me that I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to, regardless of any obstacles or challenges. Looking back on the past couple years I can safely say that they were correct. Although I would not have said this a couple years ago, I can say now that I would not change anything that I have been through. I was truly blessed with an amazing support system and I could not be more thankful for them and where I am today
- Sam D.
Happy Turkey Day from the national youth council! As epilepsy awareness month comes to a close, we are reminded to be thankful for the good health that we do have and to lend a hand to those less fortunate. While many affiliates are finishing up last minute plans for their holiday party/fundraiser, our council has started to formulate plans for the new year. I personally am excited to be able to come home and see my family and friends during winter recess... maybe even get some snowboarding in if its a white Christmas (fingers crossed =P). But I am also super excited for our recent social media reboot, finishing up our peer2peer education program, and getting started on tons of new projects in 2014. This is where we could use your creativity. If there is any particular issue that YOU feel needs addressed in regard to youth with epilepsy then please feel free to let us know as we are looking for more ideas. For any problem/idea you've been contemplating let us know by tweeting @EpilepsyYC or messaging our Facebook at "Youth in Epilepsy". We'll put on our thinking caps and certainly do our best to cover the most prominent issues mentioned. Until then, enjoy your holidays!
- Steve
Playing as Work
When people ask me what I do for a living, my favorite explanation is
that I play. As a therapeutic recreational specialist I spend every day
using recreation to enrich the lives of individuals with life altering
conditions. My average day might include crafts, baking dog treats, a
trip to the museum, or sweatin' to the oldies. Of course there's some
meetings and paperwork here and there, and it's not all fun and crafts,
but I always look for meaning within my work.
My work can be very challenging, and sure I get frustrated
and have bad days just like anyone else, but when I think about what I do I
truly feel like it is play because I enjoy it so much and the frustrations seem
trivial in comparison to the joy and fulfillment most days bring. When I was choosing a major in college and
then a career path a quote hanging in a bathroom put it all in perspective for
me, “ we must absolutely do what we love or we run the risk of doing nothing at
all.”
I realized when I pursued something I loved, that I was
passionate about, and that brought me joy, even the stresses of work were, for
lack of a better word, enjoyable and therefore far easier to cope with (and as
a person who’s seizures are often triggered by stress, not having to worry
about it is a relief). I can’t imagine my life as a mathematician or Engineer!
So, I encourage you to pursue something you love. And If you wonder what that
looks like consider this, “ If you want to know where you heart is, look to
where your mind goes when it wanders.”
Monday, November 18, 2013
Transition Time Blues
To say my life right now is in a big transition is an understatement. I graduate in December with a degree in Elementary Education. The problem is that teaching positions are not easy to find in the middle of the school year. Sure, I can do another job but isn't the whole purpose of four years of college to finally be able to do what you love? It is so frustrating and stressful. I have to be really careful that I don’t let this stress me too much because stress triggers my seizures. It seems that life is always changing and for those of us who can’t get stressed out this can be a major issue.
I have been seizure free for almost five years now but that doesn't mean that I am not still weary of having a seizure. I am on Depakote and Keppra, and both have helped keep me healthy. I believe that medicine does some of the work, but how I live does the other part to keep me healthy. During these transitioning times, I have to make sure that I don’t allow myself to stress too much about not finding the “perfect” job. In time, I will find the job I want, but until then, I just have to keep my head up and not worry.
I have a problem with setting this plan for my future and thinking that anything besides that plan is a failure! That is not the case, but I am pretty hard headed, so it is hard to tell me otherwise. I have planned out having a job in a classroom and being settled. That isn't how the real world works though. Jobs are hard to find, and there is nothing I can do to change that. The older I get the more I realize that I can really only control so much, and anything beyond that I have to just have faith that it will work out. I learned a lot of this early on in my life due to being diagnosed with epilepsy. You learn that there is only so much about having epilepsy you can control. For me that would be getting enough sleep and not getting stressed. Those two things trigger my seizures, and I can control them for the most part.
Every college and high school graduate goes through the same transition I am going through right now. The difference is that my body doesn't react the way others does. This used to bother me, but over the years, I have learned my body and what keeps me healthy. I learned that in times of transition I tend to hide my true feelings or stress. I also learned that I have to communicate with either my husband or family how I am feeling so that I vent out some of my stress. Sure, Epilepsy has changed the way I handle these situations, but every person goes through them and has to handle the pressures. That is something that I have learned and it helps me not feel pity for myself. Epilepsy alters my life but it doesn't have to stop me from living! I may have to handle things differently than someone else, but every person graduating feels the pressure to get a job and succeed.
Thanks for reading & stay tuned for more of my adventures!
Abigail Frame
Monday, November 4, 2013
Welcome!
It’s
Epilepsy Awareness Month! The National Youth Council is excited to celebrate
this month by launching our brand new blog. We will be sharing our stories and
answering questions that youth and young adults have about epilepsy. If there
is anything you would like to learn about, or anything you would like to share,
we would love to hear from you. This blog is a platform for everyone to come
together and be united by our experiences and our passions. Please email us at epilepsyyouth@gmail.com about submitting to the blog!
For
some, the word “epilepsy” is something to be feared. It is something that must
be treated with caution or even ignored. As Epilepsy Awareness Month begins,
that is something we must change. Epilepsy can be scary and it can be difficult
to manage, but it can also be something to take pride in and embrace. It can help
us put things in perspective, be grateful for all that we have, and learn to
accept ourselves in new ways.
This
month, let’s go beyond spreading awareness. This month, let’s celebrate!
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