My tryst with kidney disease started about a year and a half ago. I was working for a private company. One day, suddenly, my BP shot up and I started vomiting. I felt extremely tired and drained out. I had to get admitted to a private hospital, where my creatinine was found to be 8mg/dl. The doctor declared that I would require life-long dialysis. I was sad and depressed and felt sorry for myself. Soon I had to change hospitals due to the increasingly unaffordable expenses.

Once dialysis started, I went about it since I had no other choice. Unable to see me sad and listless, one day my father took me for counselling. That counselling changed my whole perspective towards life. I decided to take control of the reins of my life instead of wallowing in self-pity. The first step towards this was by being self-disciplined. I started getting up early, went for regular walks with my parents, and went about my routine like any other normal person. The notion that I was a patient took a backseat. It no longer mattered. I underwent dialysis, and kept myself busy through the day with my work and other regular chores at home. This crisis in my life also brought me closer to God. I prayed regularly and started visiting temples. Rather than complaining about my plight, I started to count my blessings. I am thankful to God for giving me the strength to be able to do the little things in life that we often take for granted; the ability to walk, talk, eat, go to work, study, and travel short distances. 

Today I am the happiest person in this world. I have made new friends while on dialysis (the dialysis technicians). I look forward to my dialysis sessions now. The staff in the dialysis department exude positive vibes, and their caring nature, jovial attitude and humbleness, spreads cheer among all the patients.  Listening to vibrant music with speakers on full volume also lifts my spirits. This attitude of mine astonishes people, and they look at me in wonder, while some express sympathy. 

Trials and unfavorable circumstances in life should not make us weak or bitter. We should not waste this God-given life worrying and complaining. Every situation and challenge we face in life is just a test of our strength, and an opportunity to emerge victorious. 

Go with the flow and leave the rest to God. Be happy always. This is my motto.