{My A to Z Challenge for 2013 has the cool theme of being chronically ill. It’s going to be fun, so stick around!
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E is for Encourage
For about the first year I wasn’t feeling well, I was a pain to be around. I wallowed in self-pity until it began taking over. Lots of people misunderstood me and I misunderstood myself. I was used to being an active 14-year-old so having all energy zapped from me and feeling sick for months on end was a hard pill to swallow. (Yes, pun intended!)
So yes, I had reason to be distressed, but not reason to be consumed by self-pity. That was just me being selfish. And after a while I realized that. I realized it was up to me to get a different outlook on life. To do something to get my focus off of me and on to other things, other people.
I began looking for people who I thought could do with some encouragement (mostly people in ministry), and I would pray for them and then write them little notes letting them know I thought that they were doing an amazing job. That was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Not only did it get the focus off of me, but it also gave me something to do during the long hours in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep.
And that’s how I got to know my adopted parents.
In reality, we aren’t legally related, but other than that they’re just like my second set of parents. (Not that I don’t have amazing real ones!) So, while working on taking my focus off of ‘me’, I got one of the most wonderful gifts I could ever imagine… A second family (where I’m an only child). We’re actually working on co-authoring some books right now, so you should be hearing more about that soon.
Noveltea 
I love your outlook, Aidyl! We choose things like joy – it's a good thing to realize!
Can't wait to hear more about those books! 🙂
Rebecca
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I am so glad you found a way to press through your unfortunate circumstance. Encouraging those who make a career of encouraging others was a great choice. They seldom get it. I admire you for your resolve to focus on others. Thanks for sharing! Let us know about your books.
Beverley
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I came across your blog and I'm glad I did for two reasons. One is that my wife was recently diagnosed with lyme disease. And I am in the middle of reading a wonderful book called Hannah's voice by Robb Grindstaff about an orphan and her struggles. Greetings from Texas! 'Tate's Other Side'
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Hey James! Wow, I'm not sure if I should say I'm happy or sad to hear about your wife. Happy, because if her experience has been anything like mine, then it's such a relief to actually know what's going on, and sad because well… Who wants to be sick?
I hope that she can figure out a treatment plan that will help her recover quickly (“quickly” is a relative term!). I would be interested in hearing more of her story, does she have a blog? I would be delighted if either of you can learn any tidbits from my blog that will help out, and if you have any of your own, feel free to share!
Even though I've been sick with Lyme's for six years, this A to Z Challenge is the first time I'm mentioning it on my blog, so I'm still new to sharing info about it. =) And yes, I realize this is getting rather long for replying to a comment, so I'll close now.
I hope your wife feels better very soon.
~Aidyl
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Courage is from the heart.
Encourage is from one heart to yours.
Here's my heart encouraging you.
<3
Tayla
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