Learning to Accept Myself with Allergies

Allergies have been a big part of my life for nearly two decades. This chronic illness has affected me daily in many ways. As a result, I have made changes in my ways such as how I eat and how I view myself.

Allergies have played a role in my learning to better accept myself. Through my experience, I have come to see more clearly and value who I really am. As a person with allergies, I possess a unique understanding that can help others when I share key points like the ones that follow.

Allergies taught me that food affects more than my weight

I understand more about how eating affects my body. Certain foods can trigger allergic reactions and symptoms. What I consume affects how I feel.

When I was younger, I only knew that what I ate could cause me to gain or lose weight. I was not overweight. I was just not skinny.

Sadly, people teased me and called me names. This led me to have a negative view of myself. I did not like the way I looked.

When I developed allergies, I changed the way I ate to stay safe and well. I stopped consuming cow’s milk, gluten, nuts, and soy. As a result, I lost weight.

To my surprise, the teasing from others did not stop completely. The comments just changed. Now I hear things like “You’re too skinny.”

But the words of others do not affect me like they used to. I know that avoiding some foods helps prevent allergic reactions and unpleasant symptoms in my body. I have also learned how to eat to ensure I get enough of all the nutrients I need.

Developing compassion for myself

Despite others’ comments, I am quite happy with the way I look. I do not carry any extra weight. Even my face is thinner than before.

But what I like best about myself now is the compassion I see not only on my face, but also in my actions. I am more gracious with myself, knowing how chronic illnesses have affected my life. I also consider what others are going through and how they feel. I give more thought to the words I speak to people.

I know what it is like to be teased for not conforming to what others want me to be. And I have dealt with illnesses that have changed who I thought I would be. But through it all, I have become more kind to myself and others.

Learning to value myself beyond allergies

Allergies impact the way people regard me. Some perceive me in a negative light because of my health issues. Some label me as “too sensitive” and term my lifestyle changes as “overreacting.” Others see me as a bit “fragile” and make efforts to assist with my special needs.

I have come to realize I am not less than others because of my allergies. I am more than I thought I was before. I am valuable and worth being treated with the utmost care.

Appreciating what allergies has given me

I know how hard it is to feel different. My health issues make me stand out from others. But my experience with allergies also gives me something to offer to people with similar conditions.

I appreciate the knowledge, compassion, and esteem I have gained on my allergies journey. I enjoy sharing with others what I have come to know. This is my way of caring for the health of people I now hold as dear as I hold myself.