a gift instead of a struggle

Here is a new thought pattern that I am trying: Stop thinking about my "struggle." When I can consider my life situation as a gift instead of a struggle, the struggle will cease to be.

So: My disability is a gift. It has brought me unique experiences. It has brought me interactions with a much wider group of people who have enriched my life. It has given me the opportunity to touch the lives of a much wider group of people.

I believe it is our job in life to learn and love as much as possible. My MS has helped me learn and love in a much wider variety of ways. It also jump started my spiritual journey. Each new aspect of my progressive disease has spurred ongoing spiritual searching. In my worst moments, the gift I must focus on is my soul's growth.

How's that for a positive spin? Let's see how long until "gift" is the 1st thought that comes to mind when I'm having an MS moment.