At Least You Have Your Health...

At least you have your health... but what if you don't? It is one of the first expressions people use when things go wrong in someone's life, but it isn't actually comforting to everyone. For many, what is supposed to be a last ditch effort to make someone feel better can actually make them feel just the opposite.

There have been times I have been tempted to say it to people myself when I felt confident they were in good health but people are often confident I am in good health. In fact, when they find out I am not, they are usually shocked. That is when I remember to reel it in and find something else to say because there is just no way of knowing what someone else deals with on a daily basis. It doesn't matter how well you know the person. When it comes to their health, some things are just private.

My friends and I have come up with some alternatives for certain scenarios. Perhaps you will find them useful as well:

• When you are completely crushed and it seems like there is no hope -- "We are going to get through this."

• Everything is going wrong at the same time -- "Whatever you need, I'm here for you."

• Filled with self doubt -- "You've got this. I believe in you."

• Relationship troubles -- "I've got a shovel and an alibi."

Not everything we say to each other is meant to be inspiring. Sometimes we just make each other laugh. The point being, I think it is important to feel like someone has your back or that they have faith in you to overcome adversity.

When the chips are down, it is time to focus on the positive. A major one being that, if you don't have your health, you are no stranger to hardship. You are strong. You are a survivor and you will endure.