Why I'm thankful for my heart condition

 It seems weird to say I'm thankful for the condition I have, at times I really am not, but there are some things I am thankful for. I hope these give you encouragement to see the silver lining in your struggles.


1. I'm thankful that I've had my heart checked and will continue to get it monitored

So many people die of heart attacks or strokes without knowing that they even had a problem with their heart. In a book I listened to called Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Dr Peter Attia he said that many young people in their 20s who sadly passed away, after the autopsy it showed plaque build up in their arteries. I'm thankful that I can have my heart regularly checked, so if anything is starting to develop it can be treated. If you have a history of heart conditions in your family I would encourage you to ask your GP for an echo-cardiogram. 

This is a photo of me being monitored (a 24 hour blood pressure monitor):




2. I'm thankful that I can enjoy my early married years without feeling pressured to start a family 

Andy and I do want children one day, but we didn't want to have children immediately, we wanted time to invest into our marriage and our business ideas before bringing a baby into the world. In the church there is quite a lot of pressure to get pregnant quickly once you're married, so we're thankful that people can stop asking us the dreaded question "when do you want to start a family?".  It also means when we are able to start trying for a baby we can do it quietly and take our own time, without feeling any outside pressure.

Romantic nights out:


3. It made me appreciate the people I love even more

When I was diagnosed in Dec 2023 they told me there was a possibility (a small possibility) my aorta could rupture and I'd be dead. After allowing myself to cry A LOT and process what I was told I suddenly thought 'does Andy know how much I love him?' 'Do my family know?'. There's nothing like a sudden health scare to make you value the people in your life.

My twin sister and parents:


4. It has strengthened my faith

My prayer life had become quite stagnant and I felt quite far from God. When I got diagnosed in Dec 2023 I was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. It was in those fearful moments that I prayed to God, I asked him for a healing, for peace and for a quick recovery. I knew I needed something bigger than myself in my life. Since praying to God and asking him for healing I haven't received a complete healing, but there have been little changes that have meant a lot to me. I've not had any worrying symptoms, my blood pressure has remained steady (which has surprised my doctors), I've been able to exercise and keep fairly active without any risks. There have been little signs that God is with me, watching over me and protecting me. 


I hope you found those 4 reasons why I'm thankful for my heart condition helpful. Please have a think and apply it to your life and see if you can find thankfulness in your current struggle. 


Next Blog: 5 ways I've overcome fear this year




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