Oh, my word, another diagnosis. Just when I thought I’d “collected the whole set” of lupus-related, autoimmune illnesses, I’ve been given another. And with it is another medication, monitoring by another specialist, and all the other things that go with it. More about the diagnosis later. In this blog, I wanted to give a few thoughts about developing a fighting spirit that does not take away from faith, joy, and having a life that contains positive and nurturing elements.

I’ve always been a fighter against the constraints imposed by lupus. Not that I try to ignore them or throw them to the wind. Rather, I try to be creative, still intent upon doing the things I like to do, albeit in a different way. “Fighting,” in this sense, does not mean “getting angry with,” but acknowledging whatever health challenge has arisen, and then moving toward the “what do I do now, medically, personally, spiritually?”

My fight always includes God. I don’t see Him as an adversary, but someone right alongside me as I move ahead. The same with my friends and family members with whom I am close (and my doctors). Drawing on their encouragement, support, humor, and knowledge is essential to avoid being a victim of a new or ongoing health situation.

Planning concretely is another good way to meet the challenge of health problems. Make and keep those doctors’ appointments, learn as much as possible, formulate a plan with the medical team, find positive ways to cope.

With these and other steps that take me from a position of “Oh, really?” to “Okay, now what do I do?” I can develop and nurture a fighting spirit within the context of faith and light, building strength all the way forward.