I seem to always have the ideas and best intentions about managing my daily health, but living with illness is like that comedy skit done by Abbott & Costello. As it is with managing lupus, knowing the players, what positions they play, their performance stats and the rules for playing the game in order to win are all vital components to a successful lupus health team.
Knowing that, why is it that I have to constantly ask myself: “Who is on first”?
My living with lupus and watching a game of baseball are a lot alike. In fact,
being the fan I am of baseball, there are many commonalities with lupus that I want to remind myself of. Maybe seeing these connections as I head into Spring will help me feel more motivated in paying closer attention to my own game:
All ‘players’ look like they can play just fine, until they either hit the field or the batter’s box. There are on and off days, no matter what uniform you’re wearing.
Generally, there are coaches and umpires all screaming at us to do this, that or let us know how we’re doing. In fact, they sometimes reside within our own heads.
There are frequent tests and concerns about lab results, occasionally culminating in some pretty harsh judgments when meds -like steroids- are taken (granted, they are not the same ones athletes use)
We’re always pitched to, thrown to, batting at or having to catch a ball - usually from someone else.
There’s no place like home(plate), but you’re still important if all you do is bunt or sacrifice - it’s sometimes necessary to advance another player for the good of the team.
The game may be slower paced, but the strategies involved with winning the game are very important.
The amount of money that is exchanged is mind-boggling.
There are days when we strike out or hit it out of the park – either way, we need the support of those watching from the stands.
We made not make it to the majors or the World Series, but the importance of training and our gritty determination will get us through the ‘off-season’ as well as the ‘playing season’.
I think the most important comparison is the fact that this is a team sport. One player doesn’t win the game and communication, trust and good sportsmanship offer us great opportunities to stay in the game with a strong team. You may or may not be a baseball fan, but living with chronic illness is quickly becoming an American ‘favorite’ pastime -whether we want to play it or not. Grab yourself a mitt, pull together some teammates and prepare to play ball the best you can. Develop signals, practice time outs, resist storming the mound, be on the constant lookout for the ‘refreshment’ vender…
and no matter what, always know who is on first!
