It all depends on how you look at it.

You know the saying, 2 people can look at a glass of water, one will say the cup is half full while the other will see the cup as half empty? In other words, 2 people can look at the same thing but have different perceptions on the same thing. The optimist will see the good in things while the pessimist will see the bad in things.

Well, I choose to be an optimist. Even though I have SLE and am now undergoing dialysis 3 times a week, I choose to see myself as blessed. I may not be working full-time and I may not earn as much as some of my friends, but I have a pretty nice life. I live with my family and I earn enough for my own expenses. Right now, I'm trying to save as much money as possible, so I try to spend less most days.

Lot's of people will say someone is my situation has to be either depressed or suicidal but not me. I used to be depressed and negative about my situation but not anymore! What's the point of constantly comparing yourself with people more fortunate than you and whining and complaining all the time? You'll only drag yourself down and make yourself even more depressed.

I choose to be happy. I choose to be contented with my lot in life. After all, this isn't our permanent home, Heaven is. I choose to live life the best I can so I'll go the Heaven when I die. Because in Heaven, there is no Death, Sickness, Pain or Sadness. It's my choice.

Consider this : I may be on dialysis but I still have the gift of sight, which I thank God daily for. I can still read, watch TV or cross-stitch, crochet or do other needlework. I still have 2 arms and 2 legs. I have 3 square meals a day and the occasional snack. There are people in this world who don't even have one meal a day.

Now, don't get me wrong : I'm not comparing myself the those less fortunate than me to make myself feel better. I'm just trying to put things into its' proper perspective. In any situation you're in, you can choose to be miserable, or you can choose to be happy. I choose to be happy and full of joy despite everything! What about you?