THE LUCKY ONE
In life, it’s so simple to get caught up in petty matters. I mean, let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Whether we’re complaining that our barista gave us decaf instead of caf or that the rush hour traffic just seems to drag on forever, we find ourselves constantly focusing in on life’s little, insignificant details. It’s easy to get stuck in this mindset, and even easier to let these moments get the best of us. And, sometimes, these inconsequential moments can impair our lives in the long run, leaving us to feel like we’re being buried alive.
The other day, my friends and I decided to brave the cold, New England weather and grab a quick bite to eat at Dunkin Donuts. Somewhere between our weekend recaps and the latest celebrity gossip, this topic of discussion came up. Despite the fact that we all admitted to getting caught up in trivial matters, we were able to agree upon one thing: we’re extremely lucky. Okay, so we have bad days, but, everybody has those! We’re human, I think we’re all entitled to complain every once in a while. It’s just that, in the grand scheme of things, we were able to realize just how lucky we are compared to many. That in itself is a beautiful thing.
I’m not going to lie to you; I know my life hasn’t been easy these last 22 years. I’ve had my fair share of hardships, and am well aware that there are many more to come. Of course, I've had my moments, whether I'm in the hospital or just having a bad day, where complaining seems to be the only solution. But, guess what? With the bad times always come those perfect, unforgettable memories that make this ride worthwhile. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy has taught me just that. I learned at a very young age that life is truly a gift and that it's important to make the most of what I have and to especially look past my adversities. That’s really what gets me through.
Right now, I’m healthy. And, when I’m not, I’ve somehow managed to always conquer every battle I’ve faced. Not only that, I have such a supportive group of friends and the greatest, loving family a girl could ever ask for. Most importantly, I’m happy. And, because of that, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. I’m the lucky one.
