The Power of Positivity

Being diagnosed with narcolepsy or any other condition can be an extremely stressful situation and can take a toll on your health. I have dealt with the stress for quite a few years now, wondering if I will eventually lose my job due to narcolepsy. More, I get down knowing that I have the opportunity to make more than double my income at my current job, but narcolepsy will not allow it. I'm sure you feel the same as I do at times, so I'm writing this to help you live with a little more happiness.

The are some who will not use these tools to get happier, because they thrive by getting the attention. The problem is that they are unknowingly feeding negative energy to their family and friends. This can take a toll on their relationships too. Have you ever been around someone who complains daily about everything? It brings you down too, doesn't it? This leads me to the first tool.

Our loved ones know how we feel because we either look tired, fall asleep or complain about being exhausted. The first step to leading a happier life is to stop talking so much about your condition to your loved ones and friends. I would recommend joining an online support group like Narcolepsy Network or find a local support group in your area. Nobody will understand how we feel, other than others diagnosed with this condition. Discussing your condition with family and friends on a frequent basis, will cause them to either avoid you in the near future, or they can get depressed too.

Negative energy is so strong, one can feel it when walking into a room after two people have been arguing. Understand that it is alright to be upset about the situation, but do not dwell on it every minute of the day, and don't make your family and friends live the sadness you are going through. Trust me, narcolepsy causes enough stress to our loved ones because they have to live with our mood swings, sleep attacks, slurred speech, forgetfulness etc...

Another tool I feel is very important is smiling and saying hello to others you come across when you are out in public. Believe it or not, smiling when you are not so happy will trick your mind into thinking you are happy. It will cause your mood to change quite drastically. Smiling even attracts others to you. Who wants to be around someone who looks angry all the time?
Smiling is very contagious and it will relieve stress, not only for you, but for others around you.

In 2003, while working as a lodging host at a local Orlando resort, I walked by an elderly African American woman who was sitting on a bench, waiting for her bus to take her to one of the local theme parks. She wore a pretty, flowered, red dress and a straw hat with a large brim. On the hat was a red flower she had picked from somewhere on property. When I walked past her the first time, I looked her in the eyes and smiled. She smiled back with a sincere, gentle smirk. As I walked by her again, I complimented on how pretty her flower was. She said, "Thank You, dear!" As I walked by her again a short time later, I looked her in the eyes again and smiled at her. She said,"What is your name, young man?" I covered my badge and said, "Why, did I do something wrong? She replied, "No, you did something right. You looked at my eyes letting me know that you were aware I was here, you smiled at me and you made me feel important. I want to tell your managers." I showed her my badge and she stood up and gave me a hug.

Two weeks later, I was called into my managers office and was shown a copy of her letter. She wrote such beautiful things about me. I couldn't believe how a simple smile could make not only myself, but others feel so good. So remember to smile at everyone you come across. I don't care what kind of mood you are in, just do it. I cannot name one person who does not want to be next to someone who is happy and positive about life.

There will be times when we get depressed, more often than not. Don't try to ignore the despair, deal with it. Just make the decision when you want to turn it off. We all need time to cry so we can release stress, just set a time and a day to do it. When troubles come and smother your spirit in sadness, it takes one of four things to fight your way out of it on any given day.

The first and most important is turning to God and asking him to help you. When I pray, I don't ask, I affirm. For example, I would say, "Dear God, sadness has overtaken my spirit and body and I cannot fight it without your help. I trust at this moment, that you will remove it from me now. Thank you Father." By praying this way, you are telling and proving your trust and faith in him. I believe that when we ask for help without complete and utter faith, we may not get his assistance when we feel we need it. Notice how I stated, "when we feel we need it." I say this because God will not allow more stress and despair than we can physically handle.

The second way to happiness is thinking positive and concentrating on what you do have. You have life! What is more beautiful than that? Most of us have family who love us so much and friends who would do anything for us. You have shelter, food, and other important resources to sustain life. You do not have terminal cancer or any other fatal condition, you have narcolepsy. No, I am not trying to minimize this disease because it is serious, it does not allow us to live life to its fullest and our children have to suffer as well. They need undivided attention at all times but our daily need for sleep prevents us from being there for our kids as much as they need it. You can start your day by saying," Today is going to be a great day."

Laughing is another important subject when it comes to narcolepsy. Some of us cannot laugh that hard due to the effects of cataplexy. If you are on medication to help minimize the cataplexy, I recommend you to make it a habit to look for things that are funny. I find something funny everyday of my life, even if it is something I did myself. Don't be afraid to make others laugh too. This positive energy is good for you physically and psychologically.

The final way to help you defeat the anger and despair caused by narcolepsy is to accept that you have it. A narcoleptic needs to make adjustments to life so they can get the most out of it. For example, I have a great part-time job that pays well, so I work five or six hours per day, come home and take a two hour nap to feed the demon(narcolepsy). When this demon gets his meal, he allows me to carry on so I can pick up my kids from school and spend precious time with them. There are times when he hits me even after a nap, but I have to give in so I can continue living. Life becomes so much easier to deal with when you accept the cards you were dealt.

Hold your head up high, accept your condition, and give it all you have to be happy. Eventually, you will overcome, my friend. Life is a gift, no matter what disabilities we are given. Our job is to bring meaning to life, and learn to love it, through all the trials and tribulations.