The Bright Side of Having Severe Food Allergies

When you have anaphylactic food allergies, life is scary and full of things you can’t eat or do. However, I think there is an opportunity to grow when we face tough times. So, I’ve been thinking about the benefits of having allergies. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but when I try, I do see a silver lining:

1.        I’ve become a really good cook. Eating out is scary and challenging, so I love to watch cooking shows or find great recipes to cook and bake nut free versions for myself and my friends.

2. I am healthier than I probably would have been – I always read labels looking for nuts. But along the way I learned to lookout for more than nuts. Now, I watch for added sugars, GMOs and saturated fats. Because of my allergies, I make sure my food choices are safe and healthy. I also exercise to manage my anxiety and stress. At the gym or on a run or at the field, I escape my worries about food and have gained confidence from challenging my body.

3.        I am empathetic and thoughtful. I appreciate when others are sensitive to my needs or restrictions, so I try to be that way in return. My allergies make me more aware of the world and others around me. I believe that has made me more thoughtful and kind to others when they need something.

4.        I know how to work through challenges. I understand that we can’t control life, but I learned that I can always control my response. I worked hard to find ways to manage my fears and anxiety about living in a nut filled world. I am confident that I have the mindset and relaxation strategies to manage other challenges and stressful situations that will come in life.

5.        I am resilient and grateful. There have been many times that I can’t grab ice cream with my team after we win or run into Starbucks with my friends. Because of my allergies, I am sidelined a lot, but that has taught me to be comfortable with being alone and to appreciate the time it gives me to bake, draw, listen to music, read, play soccer or spend time playing games with my family. And when I do get the chance to do things with my friends, I appreciate the experiences way more and I make sure I enjoy those moments. Overall, my allergies helped me to become more positive.

6.        I am confident and able to take care of myself. My allergies and anxiety about them forced me to learn to speak to adults about my needs. If I’m at a restaurant without my mom, I have no choice but to ask to talk to the manager to see if they have nuts in their kitchen. I’ve also learned to trust my gut. If I don’t feel 100% safe and trusting of the the information that is given to me about food preparation and products, I don’t eat. Having a life-threatening allergy taught me to communicate clearly with others and to trust my instincts.

7.        I am organized. From a young age, I had to think ahead. Do I have my epi pen? Do I have wipes? Is my nut free lunch packed? Did I pack enough “safe” food to take on the trip? Did we call the restaurant to see if I can eat anything? My allergy requires me to have a careful manner. This spills into all the other areas of my life. Being organized has helped make me a good student, and that is definitely a silver lining.

Even though I would never wish my severe allergies on anyone, I can honestly say that I love the person they have helped me become.