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Every sunrise I witness feels like a blessing. It is a reminder that life, in all its unpredictability, continues to unfold.
And as I pen this deeply personal reflection, I carry a sense of overwhelming gratitude. Thank you, Universe, for continuing to guide me through recovery. You taught me the most powerful mantra I’ve ever embraced: “This too shall pass.”
These aren’t just four simple words. They became my emotional anchor during one of the most grueling chapters of my life. Their resonance, both spiritual and practical, offered comfort when nothing else could.
The Profound Wisdom Behind the Adage ‘This Too Shall Pass’
Originating from ancient Persian philosophy, “This too shall pass” carries a message of hope and healing. It’s a phrase that has stood the test of time, echoing through generations and across cultures. Whether spoken during highs or devastating lows, its essence reminds us that no emotional state, joy or despair, is permanent.
For me, these words weren’t just comforting; they became lifelines. They helped me transition from a state of emotional chaos to mental clarity. It allowed me to accept the unpredictable and flow of life.
A Parable That Changed My Perspective Forever
Let me share a story that profoundly affected me, a tale my dear friend narrated during one of my hospital stays.
Its timeless wisdom planted a seed in my heart and has guided me ever since.
Archith, a young seeker of wisdom, sets out on a life-defining journey.
He passes through deserts, forests, and villages. Each day tested his resolve. The harsh sun scorching him by day and cold winds whispering surrender by night.
But his spirit remained fierce.
Eventually, he reached a coastal village where he met Isaac, a man known for his kindness. Isaac welcomed him with warmth, offering food, shelter, and friendship. When Archith finally departed, Isaac whispered a farewell gift: ‘This too shall pass.’ The young traveler was puzzled but carried the words, nonetheless.
Years later, Archith returned to find Isaac. He was no longer a prosperous host but a humble servant for the village chief. His mansion had washed away by a flood and his wealth all gone. Yet Isaac’s demeanor was unchanged.
He was still smiling, still grounded. When parting again, he repeated his phrase: ‘This too shall pass.’
Much later, Archith discovered that Isaac was no longer alive. When he finally visited the cemetery, the words etched into Isaac’s tombstone stood quietly waiting to be read.
In that quiet pause, understanding bloomed, life flows in rhythms. All that we feel or face, even our deepest sorrows, are fleeting echoes in time.
This realization became the cornerstone of my mindset during my rare health journey.
Navigating My Health Crisis: Isaacs’ Syndrome and More
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating condition, Isaacs’ Syndrome. It is a neuromuscular disorder marked by muscle hyperactivity and stiffness.
The diagnosis didn’t come easy, it followed months of confusing symptoms and countless hospital visits.
But the health challenges didn’t stop there.
Doctors also discovered I had:
- Lyme disease: A tick-borne bacterial infection affecting joints, heart, and nervous system.
- Glaucoma: A degenerative eye disease that damaged my optic nerve.
- Membranous Glomerulonephritis: A progressive kidney disorder.
- Diabetes & Blood Pressure issues: Chronic conditions that made recovery complex.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Gut-related problems. It altered my nutrition and comfort
- Overwhelming fatigue and brain fog
My prescriptions grew to 42 pills a day. I wasn’t just managing illness. Life became a rush of blood tests, pill reminders, dietary restrictions, and emotional breakdowns.
There were moments when I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, wondering if the life I knew before would ever return. And yes, I cried out to the Universe, asking:
Why me?
The pain was real. The confusion, constant.
The Psychological Toll of Living with Rare Conditions
Chronic illness isn’t just physical; it attacks your spirit. You’re not only fighting symptoms but also the mental whirlwind they bring:
- Self-doubt: Is it all in my head?
- Fear: Will I get worse?
- Isolation: No one really understands.
- Despair: How long can I keep doing this?
These aren’t dramatized emotions; they’re the silent thoughts that invade your mind when the world keeps moving and you’re stuck in survival mode.
There were days when even brushing my teeth felt like climbing Everest. And yet, those five words ‘This too shall pass’, would echo in my heart. Sometimes whispered by loved ones, sometimes just a faint memory. But always present.
Finding Balance with Positive Psychology
Gradually, I started building emotional resilience. While medical treatment handled the biological symptoms, positive psychology helped me address the mental fog.
Here’s what worked for me:
1. Prioritizing Self-Care
Nutrition, hydration, sleep, and mindfulness, these became daily essentials. I leaned into practices that nurtured my body rather than punished it.
2. Acceptance of Reality
I stopped asking “Why me?” and began asking “What now?” Accepting my diagnosis gave me the emotional bandwidth to cope and strategize.
3. Celebrating Small Wins
Every successful walk, every stable lab result, every pain-free day, I celebrated them. These little victories fueled me with hope.
4. Practicing Cautious Optimism
Instead of drowning in negative information, I filtered out the noise and focused on hopeful outcomes with the help of my support system.
5. Building a Support Network
Whether it was friends helping with groceries or just someone to vent to, social support made an immense difference.
Together, these steps formed a framework for resilience. They didn’t cure my diseases, but they healed my relationship with myself.
Applying Wisdom to Real Life: Lessons from Archith and Isaac
That story of Archith and Isaac wasn’t just a tale; it was a philosophy.
Like Isaac, I experienced abundance. Before my diagnosis, life was a series of goals, productivity, and ambition. Then illness struck, and like the flood in the story, washed everything away.
But healing wasn’t about returning to who I used to be, it was about evolving into someone wiser.
I began to understand that happiness isn’t found in certainty but in acceptance. That pain carries potential for growth. And most importantly; that nothing, not even suffering, lasts forever.
‘This Too Shall Pass’ as a Daily Affirmation
To this day, whenever I feel anxiety creeping in or symptoms flaring up, I sit quietly and remind myself: “This too shall pass.”
It’s not passive acceptance, it’s active healing. This phrase:
- Keeps me grounded during flare-ups
- Encourages patience with treatment
- Inspires me to live fully in good moments
- Helps me release guilt when I can’t function
Whether it’s illness, heartbreak, career setbacks, or emotional overwhelm—this mantra applies universally.
A Message to You
If you’re struggling with your own health journey, or any challenge, I want you to know something deeply personal: You are stronger than you think. Your pain is valid, your emotions are important, and your story is still unfolding.
This too shall pass. You don’t need to rush the healing. Just stay present, trust the process, and reach for support when needed.
I invite you to embrace this mantra the way I did. Let it be your companion on hard days. Let it whisper to your heart when everything feels unbearable.
Final Thoughts: Wisdom, Healing, and the Art of Endurance
My rare health crisis may have changed the course of my life, but it also gave me something priceless, a new lens to view life through.
Today, I live with greater mindfulness. I appreciate small joys. I breathe slower. I love deeper. And I smile more, not because I’ve conquered illness, but because I’ve learned to coexist with it.
So, if this article reaches even one person going through a dark tunnel, I hope it sparks a light. Hold onto the words, repeat them when needed, and believe in the promise they carry:
This too shall pass.
DISCLAIMER
This article is based on personal experience and is not intended to offer medical advice. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.