Plus: Overcoming the Struggle of Manners During My Diagnosis
The weeks following my diagnosis were some of the most overwhelming and challenging moments of my life. As I tried to come to terms with my new reality, my manners took a hit. I found myself struggling to maintain the polite and courteous demeanor that I had always prided myself on. However, looking back now, I realize that this was just a small hurdle in my journey towards acceptance and healing.
At first, I couldn’t understand why my manners were slipping. I had always been taught to be kind, respectful, and considerate towards others. Yet, during those first few weeks, I found myself snapping at others, being short-tempered, and even forgetting to say “please” and “thank you.” I was embarrassed and ashamed of my behavior, but I just couldn’t seem to control it.
The truth is, my diagnosis had turned my life upside down. I was bombarded with a whirlwind of emotions – fear, anger, sadness, and confusion. It was as if my mind and body were in a state of constant chaos, and I was struggling to keep up. My focus was solely on trying to understand my diagnosis and figuring out how to deal with it. In that state of mind, my manners seemed like a trivial thing and were pushed to the back burner.
As a result, I found myself lashing out at those closest to me, including my family and friends. I know now that they were only trying to help and support me, but at the time, their words and actions felt like constant reminders of my illness. I was hurting, and I didn’t know how to express it. So instead, I took it out on the people around me. Looking back, I regret my behavior and the pain it may have caused them.
On top of that, I was also struggling with my own self-image. My diagnosis had changed my physical appearance, and I was constantly self-conscious and insecure. I didn’t feel like myself, and I was worried about how others saw me. In my mind, my manners were the last thing I should be worried about.
However, as the weeks went by, I started to realize that my negative behavior and lack of manners were not helping me in any way. In fact, they were only making my situation worse. I noticed that people were hesitant to be around me, and I couldn’t blame them. I was not the same person I used to be, and my manners, or lack thereof, were a clear indication of that.
That’s when I made a conscious decision to take control of my manners and my behavior. I started by apologizing to those I had hurt and explaining to them what I was going through. I also made a conscious effort to be more patient and understanding towards others. I reminded myself that everyone was dealing with their own struggles, and it was not fair to take my frustrations out on them.
Slowly but surely, my manners started to improve. I found myself saying “please” and “thank you” more often, and I even started holding open doors for others again. It may seem like small gestures, but for me, they were a clear indication that I was on the path to healing.
But more than improving my relationships with others, working on my manners had a positive impact on my own mindset. As I became more courteous and respectful towards others, I also became more compassionate and forgiving towards myself. I started to see my illness as just a part of my journey and not something that defined me.
Today, I can proudly say that I am back to my old self – the person with good manners and a kind heart. My diagnosis may have taken a hit on my manners, but it also taught me an important lesson – that in times of struggle, kindness and manners can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from this experience, and I hope to continue spreading kindness and positivity wherever I go.
In conclusion, the overwhelming weeks after my diagnosis may have been tough, but they also made me realize the importance of manners in our daily lives. They are not just polite words and actions, but a reflection of who we are and how we make others feel. So let’s always strive to be kind, respectful, and courteous, no matter what challenges we may face. After all, that’s what makes us truly human.