The Benefits of an Illness
Being temporarily ill can actually be a benefit. Yes, you read that correctly.
Do you tend to wait until something negative happens—like an illness, an accident, or a relationship problem—to become more introspective and adjust the dial on your life?
If so, you are not alone. We humans are funny beings; we often wait for a mini-crisis or a major one to tweak our habits and internal dialogue. After all, it’s not always comfortable to bring about change, and aren’t we right in our ways? – lol (Which reminds me of our sneaky self-saboteur: https://transformationstartswithin.com/article-title/self-sabotage/ )
On the other hand, sometimes we can be very introspective, working at taking the right actions and meditating to get into the right mental state, yet for some reason, we are stuck. Life simply isn’t flowing as it can and should.
In such times, life often supports us by bringing about that short-term illness or accident, which acts as a catalyst to get us to shift or rise to our next level of awareness. While feeling sick and forced to pause, we start to gain clarity, set new intentions, and tweak our habits. As we endeavor to get better physically, we somehow proceed to heal the next ripe emotional, mental, or spiritual layer.
At times, the simplest, gentlest way to receive the internal shift we need requires an externally divinely orchestrated intervention. It’s not fun by any means, and it can be quite disruptive to our well-laid plans. However, it serves a useful purpose—an important element to keep in mind.
Benefits of my illness
Recently, I experienced Covid, and by the time I realized what was truly happening physically, I had mentally become acutely aware of particular non-serving thoughts and words. I was certainly not proud of my spoken behavior and vowed to myself that I would certainly do better. The sore throat reminded me daily that the sound emanating from this area needed to be cleaned up further. The burning sensation in other parts of my body felt symbolic of something that needed to be released once and for all.
The time of rest also brought forward another truth—that of self-forgiveness. Are you also finding forgiving yourself hard to do?
The deeper within I go, I notice the one I need to forgive first and most is myself. To let go of the mistakes of the past. To accept once and for all that I did the best I could with the awareness, level of consciousness, and resources I had at the time. That’s it—that’s all! I need to keep the wisdom and end the self-punishment.
International well-known authors like Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Judith Orloff, and others have written on the connection between emotional well-being, self-forgiveness, and physical health.
Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist and intuitive healer, writes about the mind-body connection and emotional wellness. Her book “Emotional Freedom” explores how letting go of negative emotions and forgiving oneself can lead to better health and happiness.
https://drjudithorloff.com/about-dr-orloff/
Dr. Maté specializes in addiction, trauma, and stress. His book “When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection” discusses how suppressed emotions and stress can manifest as illness, emphasizing the need for emotional healing and self-forgiveness.
https://drgabormate.com/book/when-the-body-says-no/
Again, darn uncomfortable, but the illness was so worth it for the benefits it brought forward. Interestingly enough, by personally being grateful for the pause and the bout of ill health, the internal shifts due were able to unfold with much less turmoil and disarray. I feel a rise in motivation and clarity around my goals.
Feeling sick?
Pause and Reflect: Next time you find yourself under the weather or facing a minor setback, take a moment to reflect on what your body and mind are trying to tell you. Use this pause to practice self-forgiveness, set new intentions, and adjust your habits. Embrace the opportunity for growth and transformation.
If you are wanting to gain clarity on your desired well-being, remember that your body knows the next right step for you, and I’m here to help you uncover it. Let’s connect
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As smart, hardworking women dedicated to others and our careers, we often abandon ourselves in the process— hence feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and stuck. Our self-confidence slips, self-trust wavers, and even our bodies send signals that something needs to shift. Studies are showing that women are more lonely, unfulfilled, and unhappy than ever before.
That’s where Lynette steps in. She guides and supports growth-oriented women gain clarity, uncover hidden barriers, experience break throughs, and take sustainable steps toward the outcome they deeply desire—whether in relationships, well-being, prosperity, or purpose. Her approach blends the analytical and intuitive, the practical and the profound, so transformation isn’t just a fleeting insight but a lasting reality.
With over 16 years of deep spiritual exploration, international accreditation in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and certification in Women-Centered Coaching Principles Lynette provides a grounded framework for change. Because the world needs your unique gifts now more than ever—it’s time to step into your fullest potential, rise as your most authentic self, and uplift both yourself and those around you
Learn more about her work and influences:
https://transformationstartswithin.com/acknowledgements-references/