What does it mean to be a warrior?
What images evoke when you think of the word warrior?
Warrior (noun)
1. a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier.
2. a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness
For many, when we think of a warrior, an image of a soldier may come to mind. A brave man or woman, in uniform going to war on a battleground far away. Or those courageous men and women working on the front line in the emergency services. Those who run toward danger when many more run far away from it.
An image that may not cross one’s mind is one of a person living with a chronic illness.
However, words such as warrior, fight, battle, and war have become synonymous in discussions regarding illness and those living with, such conditions. We’re brave in the face of life with a long-term health condition. And we approach the unknown of everyday life with courage, fighting for a semblance of a life.
"When we think of a warrior, we think of those who run toward danger. An image that may not come to mind is that of someone living with a chronic illness." Share on XIt has become a somewhat controversial subject within the chronic illness community, and which has inspired much debate.
The Problem with Words Such As Fighter, Battle and Warrior
Some reject these warlike rhetoric connotations of illness and those who live with them. For many, their conditions are a part of them. A part of them much like the colour of their eyes or the freckles on their skin. To fight the disease, therefore, is much like fighting oneself. And fighting oneself and hence the condition that afflicts our lives soon becomes exhausting and time-consuming.
"To fight the disease is much like fighting oneself. And fighting oneself and hence the condition that afflicts our lives soon becomes exhausting and time-consuming." Share on X
Further, many argue that words such as ‘fight,’ ‘battle’ or ‘war’ are polarising, suggesting that much like their literal meanings, there is a winner and loser. It suggests that if we succumb to the debilitating and often devastating symptoms, it’s because we haven’t fought hard enough. Furthermore, it implies blame upon the person afflicted by the illness.
People voice platitudes such as ‘brave’ to describe our struggles. Although it’s often in an attempt to be supportive, it instead feels patronising, much like being patted on the head like when we were young by distant relatives. In truth, however, we feel far from brave or a warrior. Every day our lives revolve around getting through the day amidst debilitating and distressing symptoms.
"We feel far from being brave or being a warrior. Every day our lives revolve around getting through the day amidst debilitating and distressing symptoms." Share on XAre We Warriors?
To us, we are not brave, we fight and survive, not because we are fighters or warriors, but because we have no real alternative.
After experiencing a prolonged and a crippling flare, however, I am starting to embrace and appreciate the title of being a warrior. Even more so, after a recent trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour which proved to exacerbate the symptoms.
It was further evidence that I am not normal. That I never will be healthy. I’m in constant pain, constantly dizzy, and a continual trembling sensation consumes my legs. My life consists of numerous falls, many days where I struggle to get out of bed, and plentiful occasions whereby my legs collapse unexpectedly.
Embracing The Warrior Inside
On reflection, I’ve come to realise how much I’m always fighting. And no, I’m not fighting in a war. But I am fighting for my life; fighting for some semblance of normality. We are all fighting in ways that only other warriors can understand. We fight to be able to get out of bed in the mornings, struggle through the days, impeded by pain and fatigue. Fight to be able to get out of the house, and fight to be able to complete the errands that await.
"No, we are not fighting in a war. But we are fighting for our lives; fighting for some semblance of normality." Share on XYes, there are days when we are defeated — days when the pain, fatigue and the multitude of other symptoms win the battle on a given day. But still, we do not give up. We may not be able to try again tomorrow, but we don’t surrender to the demon that is our illness. Symptoms such as the dizziness and vertigo make it difficult for me to be able to cope with particular places, but still, I have refused to submit to their hold on my life.
And as much as we fear the symptoms becoming victorious, and becoming defeated by our silent enemies, we never stop trying. We never give up. I am not suggesting that I am a brave or courageous person merely by living with an enduring neurological condition. Being fierce, brave or a warrior does not make you any more likely to beat the disease or the illness that is ravaging inside your body.
The Comfort that Being A Warrior Has
It does, however, help you get through the difficult times. It helps you survive when it seems that you can no longer bear the pain any longer. I attempt those places that provoke such attacks, and sometimes I am unsuccessful, but still, I try again. It brings comfort, the knowledge that if we are fighting against the impact, the condition has, then we are in control and not that which afflicts us. And that is why I bought the necklace. It is a reminder of the many victories I have achieved despite the limitations imposed due to my various symptoms. It is a constant reminder of my strength in the face of illness.
"My warrior necklace is a reminder of the many victories I have achieved despite the limitations imposed by my symptoms. It is a constant reminder of my strength in the face of illness." Share on XHowever, it is a motivator. Life with a neurological condition presents a series of challenges to overcome. If we are to prescribe the ‘fight’ metaphor to life with an illness, it can give both direction and motivation. If winning is the ultimate objective, then striving for a triumph over adversity can provide us with the drive to wake up each new day and live with the presence of such monotonous symptoms all over again.
And that is what we do every day. We fight to live. We are warriors.
13 Comments
So many good points in this, especially being called ‘brave’ as sounding patronising and being warriors because that’s what happens when you have no choice. Brilliant post!!
Hi Caz
Thank you so much for your lovely words! After spending a great amount of time writing, and being proud of the job I’ve done, your words really mean the world! Happy New Year to you!
Rhiann xx
You know I’ve never really thought deeply about this before. When I got sick I started seeing the word warrior everywhere, and I just figured it was because people didn’t want to say patient or sufferer. But I do use it, because I do feel like I’m constantly fighting – some days more than others.
Thank you so much for spending the time reading and for commenting on the post. I agree many people think of these terms as being unhelpful but when you are in the midst of dealing with debilitating symptoms then it does feel that all you are doing is fighting, and some of the terminologies I think gives a sense of control, that we are not submissive to the symptoms.
Thanks again and Happy New Year!!
Rhiann xx
I use the term “ChronicIllnessWarrior”, even on days I don’t feel like fighting, and just want to give up. I think I use it even more on those days, than the ones when I’m up to fighting.
Yeah, warrior or fighter does have all those connotations when it comes to chronic illness. I feel we battle for quality of life, to cope, and exist… so we are fighters and warriors. I also feel it is a battle with no victory, but with ground gained sometimes.
I agree that saying we are warriors helps when you feel the symptoms, pains and adversity overwhelm. It somehow makes us dig deeper to find the strength to continue.
There have been many times when I feel it is too much to bear, but it releases the resolve to fight back against the disease when it feels like a war we must win,
Great post.
Thank you so much Robert for taking the time to read my post and for your lovely words! Continue being a warrior! Take care, Rhiann x
Excellent and motivation post! I wouldn’t consider myself a warrior but I have overcome struggles, and continue to do so on a daily basis. So maybe I’m more of a warrior than I think. Thank you for sharing 😀
As someone who wrote a post about not being a warrior, this resonates with me to see the flip side when maybe I am!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I am glad that the post has helped you see you as the warrior that you, especially for enduring the constant struggles of chronic illness. Take care of yourself!
Rhiann x
Thank you for articulating this so well. Sometimes I embrace the warrior and other times I try not to think about how I’ve “failed” at being a warrior. Really insightful and helpful article!
Thank you so much Ava!!