Do my allergies define me?
I have had this blog post idea in my mind for a while. It has been something I was worried to put out for fear it might come across in a way I don’t intend it too. My campaign in September 2020 was founded on ‘allergies do not define us’.
“Allergies are not our identity; we are so much more than that. We are the friends you go dancing with, the one next to you in yoga, we are the photographer, nutritionist, entrepreneur, school kid, the parent... We are just like you, but we manage life differently. We want to show everyone that we are human. ”
Whilst I stand by that message, allergies are not who we are, I do want to share a thought I have had recently, that my allergies do define me - this is a quick post, just something that has been on my mind for a while that I needed it to be on paper - please read on to find out why.
The definition of define: Give meaning.
My allergies do define me because who would I be without them. I certainly do not want to be limited by them, I do not want to be controlled by my conditions in any way, but I cannot say that they don’t define me, because they have shaped the person I am today. Part of my aversion to say they define me is because allergies aren’t the only thing that does. I have many experiences, traits, qualities that define me just as much, but managing allergies plays a massive role in my life. Would I be a foodie if I didn’t have restrictions? Would I have empathy for invisible conditions, if I didn’t have any? Would I care about breath-work if I didn’t have asthma? Would I write a blog, if I didn’t have allergies? Would I? Would I? Would I?
Allergies have set me on this path to where I am today; I would not be in this exact moment without it. I am sure that in a parallel universe - where I didn’t have allergies, chronic fatigue/pain or any other of my invisible conditions - I would still be happy and maybe writing about something else in my life; but me right here, I am grateful for my allergies, because I am extremely proud of the person I am - and I know, in my gut, that it is because of my allergies. My allergies define me, they shape me, they direct me, but I am not limited by them - if anything they make my boundless.
10 qualities my allergies blessed me with:
Resilience
Patience
Empathy
Structure
Adaptability
Cleanliness
Adventure
Joie de vivre
Gratitude
Hope
Words are powerful things, and everyone reacts to words in different ways. The experiences we have and the words we have grown up with, have a significant impact on how we see ourselves. I don’t want this blog to be used for you to change your mind about how you define yourself. I want to share with you my thoughts, that allergies have been a blessing and a curse. Everyone has cards that define their life, some you play (and they leave you), others stay with you for life. My allergy card will be with me for life, and I am no longer refusing to shy away from what that means to me. I am defined by allergies and so much more; we all have so many layers.
