Columns Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Heart of It All and Healing from Within The Heart of It All and Healing from Within by Teresa Wright-Johnson | August 22, 2017 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link āThe very beating of your heart has meaning and purpose.ā This is a quote from Andy Andrews in “The Butterfly Effect.” I have referenced this quote on several occasions. It speaks volumes because it affirms that we are here on purpose, not by chance. I did an interview a few months ago where I was asked, āWhat if healing never comes on this side of Earth, in my physical body?ā As I ingested this question and all that it entailed, the tears came immediately. I believe my tears flowed for several reasons. First, the question caused me to reflect on my mortality. Second, it urged me to imagine a worst-case scenario. Third, it reminded me that whatever happens, it is well with my soul. I retorted that my spiritual health and healing is more important at this juncture in my life. Although MS currently is incurable, my diagnosis is not a death sentence. It is confirmation that I must live. Yes, MS has changed my life drastically, yet I still have one. In the most ironic way, illness has given me a greater understanding of life. I realize that healing consists of more than just a physical recovery. There were some areas in my life that needed my immediate attention. There were very intimate parts of my being that went neglected as I went through everyday life. Many of us are so occupied with the āsmall thingsā that we often forget our mental and spiritual health must also be maintained. I was just strolling through life until a permanent injury and MS interrupted mine. When trauma occurs, we are forced to slow down. It seems as if life goes on while we watch the world pass us by. It appears that everyone keeps moving, despite all of the pain and discomfort we are in. There were many times I asked, āDoes anyone really see me? Donāt they know what I am going through?ā Honestly, as I look back over my life, I realize that I reached a new level of awakening after each occurrence. Open-heart surgeries, loss, injuries, and MS required me to operate from a place of deep introspection. I had to sit face-to-face with myself. I discovered that in order for me to exist and heal, I had to let go of the things that were impeding my process and my progress. I also neededĀ to release the anger and bitterness that engulfed me. I had to remove certain people from my lifeĀ and learn the importance of forgiving myself and others. I am strong-minded, and if I am hurt or violated,Ā I admittedly hold a grudge. I was not cognizant of the harm I was inflicting upon myself. I was struggling. Anger, bitterness, and the inability to forgive destroys our psyche. We cannot heal if we hold on to things that psychologically corrode us. Physicians, therapists, and other health and wellness professionals often speak of the importance of connecting with a higher power, managing stress, and positive thinking. For me, all three are paramount. I accept that I cannot control everything that happens as a result of MS and chronic illness. Yet, I acknowledge that I have some authority over how I process and respond to it. William Arthur Ward said that happiness is an inside job. I believe that healing is, too. *** Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Teresa Wright-Johnson Teresa Wright-Johnson is a congenital heart disease survivor and an MS warrior. Diagnosed in November 2014 with MS, Teresa relies on her faith, family, and friends. As a person with chronic illnesses, Teresa has learned the importance of being both patient in nature and present in each moment. It has also led her to boldly live her truth and walk in her purpose. Teresaās column will focus on her personal lessons and experiences with MS. Teresa hopes her column will inspire and encourage others to stand in the midst of adversity. She believes that even in the course of illness, we can find greater meaning to our existence and use our light to shine through our darkest hour. Tags mindfulness, perspective Comments Robyn Our stories sound so very familiar to me. I also had open heart surgery at aged 12, many physical ailments followed including rheumatoid arthritis, a destroyed spine due to injuries, and MS. Yes, much lost but also much wisdom and patience gained. It is so very essential to find silver linings among everything. Reply Teresa Wright-Johnson Hi Robyn, Thanks for reading the column and sharing your story. It never ceases to amaze me the similarities that many of us share. I totally agree with you, there is a silver lining in everything. Once I learned that, it became easier to seek out the good in the midst of the storm. Best wishes to you. Reply Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment