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The Power of Words

The power of words is potent. The words we use mean a lot and say a lot about those using them. It’s a big stretch to say that they mean everything, because actions speak louder than words, but we are a species that communicates with words – whether spoken or written, heard or read.

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This is why I am so picky (some would argue, touchy) with words. Words convey so much more than people realize until they really think about it or until words affect them in a profoundly positive or negative way. I do not suffer with (or from) CF. At some point, I may be suffering from the effects of CF, but that is an entirely different statement by the message it conveys about one’s state of mind.

A sufferer is a victim. A person suffering from the effects of a disease or disability is someone with pain or a difficulty who refuses to let that be ruler of their lives. This is why I used to be so hesitant to let people know about my CF. Not so much now, but I’m still not going around as a poster boy because I’m a husband, Christian, entrepreneur, and lover of fine books and food long before I’m a CFer.

CF doesn’t define me; it is only a semicolon in my Webster’s entry. I would be giving up too many of my personal liberties to take on the shroud of that label, and I’m simply not willing to succumb to the debasement of my personal view of myself or the view others hold of me. One day I may very well need help from people, so until that day comes, I’m going to give to others.

What words are you using? How can you change your words to change your life like that man?

Cystic Fibrosis Is Not My Identity

I will never say, “Hi, I’m Jesse. I have CF,” and I will kick anyone who introduces me in that manner. I am Jesse, the WordPress guy. “This is my husband, Jesse.” I am Jesse, the owner of this company. I am Jesse, member of Oakwood Community Church. I am Jesse, an avid gamer. Jesse the blogger. Jesse the (soon to be) college grad. Cystic fibrosis does not own me! I’m not a spokesman or a poster child for CF. I’m not against sliding into some speaking or training, but I’m darn sure I don’t want that to be my identity.

I’m more than that.

I’m also sick of those “woe is me” CFers out there who choose to be victims of the disease, their insurance, and their frigged up lives because they chose to not make anything of themselves by not applying themselves in school and having zero ambition. You do not have my pity… however…

If you so choose, I will offer to help you make something of yourself through tips, motivation, and even recommendations of how to better yourself health-wise, intellectually, and by meeting and hanging with the right people. Studies have shown that you will fall within 10% of your 10 closest friends’ income after a 5-10 year period. I believe the same goes for health, education, and everything that is pervasive in one’s life.

Anyone who wants to take me up on getting out of a lame cycle of being a victim, feel free to take me up on my offer and contact me via my contact form or Twitter @cffatboy.