What's GOOD about CP?

Pamela brought this up and its a good idea.

What are the good things or qualities we have learned about CP?

These are mine.  I care so much about people, how they feel mentally and physically.  I hurts me to see others hurt, it makes me cry to see others cry.  I believe its makes us stronger and more caring towards people and animals..

I have learned alot of patience also.  I have learned that everything can't go my way.  I have learned to CHERISH everything around me.  The little things all the way to the big things.  I believe I'm happier in regards to my soul.

Even dealing with the miserable days and nights I still can find positive surrounding me.

Another good thing about CP is having my husband cuddling up with me talking me through the bad times.  I feel like I could just crawl inside of him and everything will be alright.

Ok Pamela I started Your turn 

Well honestly one of the best things that I have found about having CP is meeting all the folks right here! I hate to see everyone in such pain! And some of their post make me cringe and cry for them! But they are real and their feelings and experiences puts things into perspective for me! Yes I hurt, and sometime very badly, but my pain is often nothing compared to what some of you have! Don't get me wrong I am not happy about what your going through not at all! I certainly wish I could make all of your pain go away for evr! But hearing your stories and about your pain, ...well........it makes me realize that mine is trivial in comparsion and it helps me be albe to deal with mine easier! I hope that makes sense?

And also because of my CP and coming  here to this forum I have been able to open up and talk about things,....... to all of you (because all of you do understand and have or are experiencing CP) that I would have never dreamed of talking about to anybody else!

As far as caring Yes I think it has helped me be little more aware of my feelings for others.  You know LLPLUV I don't believe that your CP has made you more caring toward other people and animals though, it might have made you more aware of your  caring feelings, but  I think your compassion was already there inside you! You have always had it there! I do not believe CP develops or makes  a person more compassionate or caring!, it just might help the person recognize it in themselves!

White Beard

Oh, I am pleased - amazed, really. ELEL, ekkorose, and Nurse Beard. You
done good, you guys. Hugs.

I cherish these answers. When my printer gets fixed, I'll print them out
and put them on my bulletin board and look at them frequently.

I had an extremely busy life before- always rushing, always doing. I was
tired all the time from the hectic pace. The fatigue made me cranky.

I remember being behind old people in the store. They shuffled along and
sometimes asked for help finding the right brand of on-sale mayonnaise.
They asked me for help and of course, i helped them. Down deep i had
slight feelings of anger because they were detaining me.

It was the same with my mother. Before she had a massive stroke that
gave her the capabilities of an infant which lasted for 17 years, I believe.
I just couldn't stand her. She was slowed. She wasn't as mentally sharp.
Something was WRONG with her and I didn't like it one bit. Then the
STROKE. I was devastated and on top of that i had guilt for the way i
had treated her, guilt for the way i argued about the differences in our
politics, guilt because I hated the way she smelled because she smoked.

So there I was. Left with a 74 year old mother infant. And total
devastation. I broke down.

But now my feelings of empathy and undertanding run deep. I really know
how these old people feel. I see their lonliness. i wonder if their kids
have forsaken them. i UNDERSTAND when I see them buying beer or
bourbon at the grocery store. (We used to live near a retirement village)
The bourbon was what they used to kill their pain, of course.

I appreciate the little things more fully: My husband, my daughter, my
grandaughters, SPRING, and butter brickle ice cream. I savor and don't
take anything for granted.

OMG, I appreciate your spirits so much. What would I do without y'all.
Whatever comes up, you're there. The genius of you. They say, "Misery
loves company." That sounds kind of awful, but I am glad I'm not alone.

Guess I had a lot to say. I don't usually have such long, drawn out posts.

I'm kinda crying right now. Happy tears. I'm a better person. Honest.
I'm not making that up.

Pamela

At first I didn't think I could say ANYTHING. That's why I didn't start
the thread. ELEL, you did a marvelous job.

kwell thread...I like these...lets the Pollyanna inside of me flourish...I am so thankful to have found you all...to be able to share so many thoughts...to listen (or read) and learn so much...

Wow, what a question...I have learned so much more patience (as so many people have stated). Since I am happy to be able to go anywhere, that when I DO get to go, I enjoy it. I am not so impatient behind the person going 35 in a 50...okay it irks me, but doesn't give me coronary anymore.

I have cherished all the little things. Things that I once took for granted, I enjoy when I get to do them. (taking pleasure in food, going to the bathroom without pain and only once a day, walking outside, sitting watching a program, heck sitting period)

I also dream about what most people dread...to be able to eat a salad. To be able to run a mile again or any exercise, to do laundry, to do the dishes, to weed my garden. When I do get to do these things, they do not feel like chores. I guess the old adage is true...one covets what one does not have.

The chronic nature of my illness has allowed my to really look into my life and reflect. In that, IJMHO, I have become a better person...and strive to be better everyday...