
For years I have tried to resist the urge to engage in this cultural battle against myself. I have been searching for positive ways to look at my struggle with cystic fibrosis that help me live a more fulfilling and productive life. Violence is destructive, so what is creative? I’ve discovered ways to view CF as being a valuable tool to become a deeper, wiser, more compassionate human being. Recently, I discovered a metaphor that I believe to be beautiful and powerful: living with disease (or with any challenge or hardship at all) is like striking a drum. By actively engaging in the difficulties of life – by playing our drum – we can make beautiful music that brings joy and wisdom to the world. We make our society richer, more dynamic, and more enlightened by playing our song with purpose and dignity. I believe this metaphor to be much more powerful than the old battle motif, and so I will explain how it helps me make my life more creative and joyful.