Is it even possible to find joy in the midst of illness? Is there room for someone to find a new joy in the simplicity of existence? I believe there is. When illness strips us of all that we believe is important we have a chance to look around and start where ever we are. That is often not someplace we would choose to be. With illness often comes gratitude for the moment, gratitude for the next moment. There is no written rule that says illness means you have to become grateful for anything, but it could be one of the natural progressive steps in your fight and recovery. Some people just get angry and stay there, and that is you choice if you prefer that method. However, when illness forces us to look inward and to validate ourselves somehow, many of us find that we would rather make some changes in our lives and thus we are suddenly able to find joy in some of the silliest moments.
Joy doesn’t have to overshadow a sickness that plagues you. At the same time, illness need not overshadow the joy you feel in any given moment. Sometimes it takes a serious or terminal illness for us to start finding joy and start really living. I have seen people totally embrace life once again and I have seen illness strike a chord within the patient that makes them burrow into their own shadow. What few realize is that they have a choice and they can respond how they want. In my opinion, joy is just a lot more fun than anger and sorrow.
