You Are Your Own Strength!

Sanjana Shenoy

10 years ago

I keep getting asked the question, of how am I able to stay strong inspite of going through a lot of discomforts and problems in my life. Its definitely not easy to stay away from home and yet be able to balance everything. It is not easy to go through an car accident and yet overcome the fear. Its not easy to be independent and travel alone.

Certain situations make us immune to problems that seem very petty compared to the ones we have undergone. Call it a blessing or a curse, we have all gone through certain problems that have changed our personalities and way of thinking. We have emerged stronger from time.

Source: Quotesvalley.com

I am suffering from Atopic Dermatitis, also known as Eczema. It is a skin disease which causes the skin to become itchy and inflamed with temporary scars and redness.It is a hereditary disease. It was in the most acute stages during my childhood up to my teens. Unfortunately, it is a disease with no permanent cure, it only heals with time. The frequent hopeless visits to every known dermatologist both in and outside India depressed me. I was allergic to many types of food, starting from peanuts,popcorn,Chinese to even pizza. I couldn’t even wear clothes that were not made out of cotton. Spending time in the beach, in the salt water would aggravate my allergy. I was even allergic to chlorine, so swimming was out of my hobby list. The physical trauma of itchy red skin, burning sensation and sleepless nights was still tolerable. What was intolerable was the mental trauma I went through, as I grew up. The constant stares by strangers, the sympathetic questions about my looks shattered me. My classmates even made fun of me, asking me if it was a communicable disease and mistook it for measles. Physical pain could be subsided by medicines but the mental pain was hard to overlook. I used to wear jackets even during summers to hide my skin. But there was nothing I could do, to hide my face, which also had scars.

There were days when I just didn’t want to face anyone, I preferred staying alone rather than going for parties or gatherings, as I was tired of answering questions about my skin condition. I used to cry bitterly at nights and ask God, why was I the unfortunate one to undergo so much pain. Why was I not like other normal girls, who had beautiful smooth skin.

But there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

My parents were my support system. They kept motivating me to channelize my energy into doing something creative and cultivate my hobbies. I started painting, reading novels and writing short stories. I felt it easier to talk out my problems to my parents, as I knew that they would understand my situation and advise me on being strong and not caring about my looks. They always instilled in me the very thought, that personality and knowledge was much more important than beauty. I developed my inner beauty and let my outer beauty take its own course…. Being strong, was my personal choice. It was not an option any more.

I learnt that it was important to count ones blessings than count the ‘have nots’. I was lucky to have well-functioning organs than many others. I was unique.. But I learnt to see my skin problem as a blessing than a curse. I learnt to hold my head high and smile, the next time I was stared at by a person. I learnt to educate people about the disease I was going through. I grew so strong both physically and emotionally. I kept a phrase in my mind, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind, don’t matter, and those who matter, don’t mind.’ This is one phrase which helped me to not care about peoples remarks and sympathies. My condition improved with age, thankfully. I have a high tolerance for both physical and mental pain now. Everyday problems like low results, arguments, bad hair days.. don’t bother me anymore. I have learnt the true meaning of the phrase that “Everything Happens For A Reason”. Just trust in God and trust yourself. The next time you face a problem, no matter how big or small it is, never ask “Why me?” say, “Try Me”. Your problems make you unique and the way you handle it determines your strength.