How to live with a Terminal Illness

You were living a happy life. If not happy, at least you were living a disease free life. Then one day your doctor tells you that have developed an illness. And that you only have a few more months or few more years to live, what happens then? There are a lot of emotions you may experience. Perhaps you would feel depression and self-pity. If not, you would be angry or bitter, or will have a lot of regrets. Of course, you will panic and you would probably cry a lot of times. You may feel that you want to distance yourself from others because you cannot bear others being carefree, unlike you who are certain to die. Or you may want to spend a lot of time with your loved ones.

Whatever you might feel during that situation, it is important that you acknowledge that everyone’s life is going to end one day. In some way, you could consider yourself warned. This way, you can still do a lot of really meaningful things in your life, that you could make your life fuller despite the dwindling of your time. Other people might die because of accidents. Their life would be snapped away without warning. These people will not have the time even to feel regrets about the things they should have done. You however can use your remaining time to the fullest.

Indeed, it is a sad thing to happen to you. But instead of moping around, you should try your best to be strong and do the things you want to do. If you have a family, spend a lot of time with them. Do not think that you are being a burden to them because you are not. Show your love, you have no reason to hold anything back. Hug them constantly. Tell them that you appreciate them. Also, if you have children, make sure they understand the situation. Do not keep them in the dark because children are resilient. If you tell your family what you really feel for them, they in turn would tell you how much they appreciate and love you. Isn’t it better to hear these words of love for yourself rather than the words being spoken during your funeral where you cannot hear it?

As a human being, you are sure to have made mistakes and hurt somebody somewhere. Before you leave this earth, it is best that you ask for apologies from people you have stepped on. You should also make up with your enemies. This way, your heart will be lighter. If these people are out of your reach, you can write letters to them or call them. It is also important that you forgive yourself.

Make a list of things you want to do. If you cannot carry out these activities for yourself, ask for help. Do not hesitate to ask for help. If you really cannot do one of the things you want to do then still be thankful for the things you have accomplished.

Spend time with your friends. You do not have to carry this burden alone. Show them all your love and appreciation too. This will not only make you stronger, it will also make them stronger.

Make peace with your maker, give thanks and ask to be strong. If you are not religious, then do whatever it is you do to make you strong and face your fate. Remember that it is your choice to pass away happy or not. Hopefully, you would choose to be happy. So spend your remaining time with love.