The forced adversity of Friedreich’s ataxia can lead to personal growth
FA brings hardships, but I can't ignore the positive impact it's had on my life
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I recently met with an administrator at my children’s school to discuss their experiences, their current grades, and how we can set them up for success in the next school year.
As we discussed their dyslexia and its effect on their academic abilities, we also spoke about the unexpected gifts this neurodivergence has revealed.
The administrator noted that the “forced adversity” of dyslexia can provide countless life lessons and instill a strong work ethic, helping them succeed in school and beyond. She did this with compassion, not diminishing the struggle or ignoring the extra effort required, but with the intention of highlighting the lifelong benefits of growing through forced adversity.
This is a concept I’m familiar with from my journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) — one I haven’t been able to get out of my mind because that perspective resonates so deeply with me.
I often highlight the hardships that FA has brought into my life, but I believe that respect should also be given to the positive impact that this forced adversity has had on my life.
Growth through adversity
FA has forced me to slow down, both physically and in my task management. I can’t move at the pace I used to, so I’ve had to develop patience and be OK with getting from point A to point B in a different, slower way. I constantly adapt to what FA will allow me to do.
This change has also forced me to reprioritize. Since my daily activities are dictated by what my body and accommodations will permit, I have to be more intentional, diligent, and deliberate. I have only a small reserve of strength and energy to last from waking until bedtime, so I must use those resources wisely. Besides, time is valuable and nonrenewable; it needs to be well spent, with or without FA.
Lastly, my compassion has deepened since FA entered my life. Not only am I more aware of the struggles of those around me now that I have slowed down and reprioritized, but I am also more patient and graceful when I self-assess. I know I am doing my best, and I choose to see joyful fulfillment in my life rather than a parade of hardships and obstacles.
So, to my FA community, I have a little encouragement: You are doing an amazing job, friends! Look at the forced adversity you overcome daily, and how that has improved your work ethic and your prioritization of resources. I am confident in saying that, even though FA has undoubtedly complicated your life, it has also reshaped your outlook in positive ways. Keep it up. You’re doing better than you give yourself credit for. You are not alone; there is a whole community cheering you on. You’ve got this!
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” — Galatians 6:4-5
Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.
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