As I write this, I am lying in bed with swollen lymph nodes and a fever of 100.5. I have mono, but life is good. It could be worse. In fact, a doctor did think it was worse. When I went to my school's health center last week Wednesday, I came to them with my symptoms and speculations and in return, they denied that it could be mono and they ruled out the flu, but whatever was causing my symptoms could be stress, a cold, or possibly a brain tumor.
A wave of emotions filled me, but happiness was nowhere to be found. A brain tumor was an extreme that I was not prepared to hear. After my visit with the doctor, I went back to my room and cried. What if I do have a brain tumor? He said I'm going to have to come back for a CT scan if my symptoms continue! How do I tell my parents and boyfriend?
When faced with a negative situation, it is easy to fall into a negative mindset. In this situation, I was hit with some news that hadn't even been confirmed yet, but it was easy to assume the worst and fill with despair.
Later, after I had told my parents what the doctor speculated, which was probably the hardest thing to ever tell them, my dad told me this:
"If you continue to think negatively, you are going to continue have a negative outlook on things. Perhaps, if you do have a tumor, there is a reason for it. Everything is a part of God's master plan. Stop worrying because that won't stop the bad stuff from happen. It's just going to blind you from seeing the good when it does come."
As a college student, especially now with finals one month away, but exhaustion and flu season already upon us, not to mention winter is just around the corner, it's easy to fall into a negative state of mind that seeks to control us. It is important to remember three key things for staying positive when life throws us curve balls.
1. Surround yourself with positive people who support you.
Notice how I said "positive people?" There are plenty of negative people in the world, but seek out the ones who are going to be encouraging and there for you when life gets tough.
2. Train your brain.
This is something I definitely have to work on because I am someone who immediately goes to the worst-case scenario without fail. It's important that we don't do this and instead find the positive in each situation. Practice positive thinking by telling yourself positive affirmations.
3. Believe in yourself.
If you don't believe in yourself who will? There are endless reasons to believe in yourself even when you are feeling powerless.
So now that I've tested positive for mono, all of my worries about brain tumors have subsided. I am happy to have mono and know that whatever negativity I encounter, it is fleeting and positivity is continual.
