Wednesday, February 25, 2009

What healthy means to me

My blog title is "Color Me Healthy". When you read that and see that I have Cystic Fibrosis, have had two organ transplants, and the various problems that go with those two, I'm sure you automatically think "Color Me Healthy" is referring to my physical health. That's only part of it.

To me, health refers to the physical, the spiritual, and the mental. It not only means taking my medicine and complying with my doctor's orders, but it means feeling good about myself when I look in the mirror, feeling good about choices I make, and being happy and feeling at peace in life.

I have never wanted to look sick. I can only remember a few times that I didn't at least fix my hair before going into the hospital. I remember my lung transplant pulmonologist coming into the room a week or so after my lung transplant and saying... "Well, I'm glad you FINALLY look sick." LOL. I always thought if I kept the outside looking "healthy", then that would help the inside. It has in a way, because it helps my attitude and outlook on life, and we all know that attitude goes a long way.

There is another blog that I visit where a chat is taking place soon to tell others why you named your blog what you did. We are always working toward bettering ourselves, whether it be through knowledge, health, appearance, or spiritual growth. "Color Me Healthy" is me striving for all of these. Attitude and a love for life get you pretty far no matter what your challenges are!

As you have noticed, my blog posts are about health, fashion, beauty, faith, prayer, family, friendship, and just about anything else that life is about. I hope I never focus 100% on one of these things, because that would mean I am neglecting other things that matter.

11 comments:

Piper said...

Yay! I love this post, Christy. I am constantly trying to explain to people who know I have CF why I might sometimes make choices that don't make sense from just a physical health perspective, and sometimes it's so hard to explain. I totally agree with you - "health" is so much more than just surviving. And for what it's worth I always think you look fantastic ;)

Here's to you: a beautiful, healthy cyster both inside and out!

Natalia Ritchie said...

Christy! You sound just like me. I was once sitting on my bed in my hospital room, and a new resident came in and asked me where the patient was. They thought I was a relative. I get that a lot, and I think it's great. I have only looked 'sick' a few times in my life. I want to keep it that way until the end...
Great post!!

*Tracy* said...

i hope you are having a good week so far! hugs

Carrie said...

What a great post on the background of your blog name!

I always feel better when I'm made up, no matter what's happening!!

Kellee said...

Another post showing me why your 1 of my fav. blogger =)

Your splendid!!!

OceanDesert said...

Great post, Christy! I love your blog! That is sooo funny you mention 'why we named our blog' cuz I literally JUST did a post and mentioned in there why I named it OceanDesert!

I feel the 'healthiest' I've ever been.... and I think people sometimes don't "get it" b/c I am on more meds than EVER, but it's just what you described.. it's more than just physical health or how many pills you take!

CowTown said...

Very nicely put. I think finding a balance between those things are so important, difficult at times but more fulfilling then just one.

You are one tough cookie and very inspiring Christy! It's been great hearing more of your story. :) :)

Juliana said...

Love your blog very much! I have done the same thing...I think that if you present yourself well that you will have more confidence. I can only think of a very few days when I was very ill that I didn't put makeup on. I'd be hooked up to the PICC line trying to curl my hair. This shows amazing things about your strength and your desire to live the fullest life possible.

Carolyn said...

I really liked this post!! Very well said!! Thank you for your comment on my blog and for your prayers! That really means a lot!!

Somer Love said...

I loved this! another great idea I just finished My Cf about me so thank you for that idea. Although it was very hard for me I am a wee bit of a private person I guess.

I love when i am in the joint and Ill be sitting on the chair and no one is in the bed they always ask where Somer is I have to mess with them and say she just got discharged or something funny like that until they are very confused :)

Unknown said...

Hi there!

I enjoyed reading your transplant story.

I had just had a dry run myself.

Now, I'm sitting here quietly trying to wait out an episode of hemoptysis.

I didn't know so many of us people with CF had blogs. It's really neat!