Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Anna Baumann

Quotes to Inspire You When Graves Disease is Kicking Your Butt

I don’t know about you, but I get excited when I see a quote or phrase that aligns perfectly with what’s happening in my life at the time. It feels like divine intervention. Like God sending me a direct message when I need it the most.

Maybe it is divine intervention, or maybe I find inspiration because I’m always looking for it. I know when I was first diagnosed with Graves Disease, I scoured the internet daily looking for inspiration and helpful advice.  I’m sharing this post about quotes to inspire you when Graves Disease is kicking your butt because, ten years later, I still need Graves-related help and inspiration. I hope my fellow Gravesters stumble upon this when they need it the most.

“The secret to success is found in your daily routine.” – John Maxwell

I know this quote is about business success, but it 100% applies to Graves Disease. To deal with Graves successfully, we need a daily routine because…

Routines comfort us

Graves Disease makes us feel like we’ve lost complete control of our bodies. We’re almost always physically uncomfortable, and a lot of our physical symptoms trigger anxiety. Routines offer familiarity. So although we can’t control what’s happening to us, we have a sense that things are under control.

Routines help with Brain Fog

On bad days brain fog feels like our brain isn’t even connected to our body. Even if our routine doesn’t help us remember things, at least we can count on it to get us through the day. Plus, we Gravesters are notorious overthinkers. A lot is bouncing around in our minds. So if we can put some areas of our lives on autopilot, that’s fewer balls in the air.

“Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.” – Henry David Thoreau

You can spend years looking back wondering when you’re going to “feel like yourself again”. I don’t think that happens with Graves Disease. But, that doesn’t mean that our good days and good times are behind us. We’ve got to forge ahead because each new day is an opportunity to try something new. You might learn about a new treatment that helps you feel better or find a new hobby that eases your anxiety. And each of those things could open doors to more positive changes. But you won’t find those things if you’re dwelling on what used to be. I think the trick is for us to learn from the past, but embrace the life ahead of us.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” — Aristotle Onassis

I interpret this quote in two Graves-related ways.

Rest your body and mind

To focus on something literally, we must stop moving so our eyes can see it clearly. When you have a bad day, remember to give yourself a break. Stop moving. Relax your body and mind so you can refocus and find a solution to what’s troubling you.

Don’t despair

On dark days, it takes some effort for us not to lose hope. Make that effort and focus on the light of better days ahead.

“If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.”  – Cherokee Proverb

Find ways to get in tune with your body. If I’d been better in tune with mine, I may have been diagnosed sooner and consequently felt better sooner. New Graves Disease symptoms often start small. You may feel a slight tremor in your hands or an occasional heart flutter. Keep tabs on changes. Track your symptoms and what triggers them so you can treat them early.  Feeling good takes some work, but self-awareness and self-care will help you avoid catastrophes. 

“If nothing changes, nothing changes.” – Unknown

We can’t control our feelings, but we can control our actions. If we’re willing to try new things to help ourselves, there’s at least a chance that we’ll feel better. But if we do nothing, nothing happens! I know it’s hard but try new things. Try them wholeheartedly until you either feel a difference or are certain they don’t work. 

“Never, never, never give up!” – Winston Churchill

I always say this about Graves Disease. There are no set treatment protocols or guarantees. We have to keep an open mind and try everything. What works for me, may not work for you. And what works for you, may not work for me. But if we’re unwilling to keep trying, we’ll never know what might help. 

Take all the advice your doctors give you. Join support groups and ask questions. Don’t dismiss anything before you try it. One small thing can make a huge difference!

I hope you’re doing well, and that at least one of these quotes was exactly what you needed to see today. <3 

This post is not intended as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition.