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 good cook. Eating out is scary and challenging, so I love to watch cooking shows or find recipes of things I can bake nut free versions of for myself and my friends.

2. I am healthier than I probably would have been – I always read labels looking for nuts. 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.

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 people around me. I think 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 to manage other 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, listen to music, 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.

6.        I am confident and able to take care of myself. My allergies and anxiety about them force me to speak up about my needs. If I’m at a restaurant without my mom, I have no choice but to talk to the manager to see if they have nuts in their kitchen. I’ve also learned to trust my instincts.Having a life-threatening allergy taught me to communicate with others and to trust my intuition.

7.        I am organized. From a young age, I had to think ahead. Do I have my epi pen? 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.