Redefining the “It" in “It Will Get Better”

If you have been recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, get ready to hear what those of us who have been living with this condition hear often: "It will get better.”

While spoken with the best of intentions by those who love and care for me, this comment has always driven me crazy. How is it supposed to get better? There is no cure and the medications that have been approved to help slow the progression of this disease come with a hefty load of side effects.

Fourteen years later and I finally agree, “it” does get better - just not the “it” that everyone is referring to.

What exactly are you trying to say?

When I ask those who say “It will get better,” they say that the “It” they are referring to is our physical condition. In this case, they are wrong.

Defining “It" as my condition is why I shudder every time I hear it. However, by redefining “It”, this statement is actually true. Instead of defining “It” as my condition, I redefined “It” to mean my life.

In this case, they are right. It took me fourteen years to see it, but my life did get better even though my condition has progressed.

Life does get better, I promise

My life improved because I have learned to work with and around my limitations. Mobility aids make leaving the house a better experience.

Following my body’s lead and resting when it wants to and accepting the hours that it wants to be awake has made those hours more productive.

Opening my eyes to different opportunities has also been a game-changer. Instead of letting the fact that I am no longer to work in the profession that I used to, I revisited past passions that healthy me was too busy to pursue.

Finally, being honest about needing assistance with my friends and family and accepting their help and support has been one of the most important changes. Welcoming their assistance helps them just as much as it helps me. This acceptance has strengthened our relationships.

The next time someone tells you that “It will get better,” smile and say, “Yes, my life will get better!”