How Do You Define You?

There are so many ways to answer the question, “How do you define you?”.

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We are all different. Each person will have a different answer to this question. And, each person will answer the question differently, depending on what season of life they’re living.

We determine what we allow to define us. You can be defined by your circumstances. Or, you can be defined by how you live through your circumstances.

What is the meaning of definition? The word definition is defines as a statement of the exact meaning of a word.

When you receive a chronic autoimmune disease diagnosis, you know your life will change. You may not know, at the time, but, you still hold the cards as to how your life will change.

When you get a chronic disease diagnosis, you have to redefine yourself. You even redefine what your “normal” is and what healthy means for you. My “normal” day would be a sick day for someone else. Perspective plays a big role in how you define you.

I decided early on that Crohn’s would not define me. I was once introduced as “the woman with Crohn’s”. That’s not me. Although I do have Crohn’s, it will not define me. I will live my life as if I’m not sick. No one will know I’m sick unless I tell them.

The definition of my name, Carolyn is Joy. And, that is what I hope will define me – – – the joy in my heart and the joy I can share with others and the joy my family gives me.

Reflection: Don’t let your circumstances define you. Who you really are is much bigger than your circumstances.