On Learning From Illness?

It's day 212 of documenting 2025.

Last day of July 😌

For me, this is when I reflect on how this month went for me.

Like, take a pen and paper and literally think back on my achievements...lessons and failures.

Then I write down what I could do better next month as well as what I can accomplish.

I haven't mentioned this before....but it just feels right today.

Documenting 2025 isn't just about the blog, it's also about the story behind the scenes.....and some things happen that I don't share on this blog.

Maybe I will share them...in December.

Or make a new tag to each post called, "Behind The Scenes"....when I do share any of those stories.

Anyhoo....it's a wonderful Thursday.

I was granted an impromptu break from my session today and I'm supposed to be chilling 😎 

But it's my time of the month...and it's not so enjoyable.

What can I do but endure?

Oh! I just realized that I haven't shared any updates on my admission process....

My bad 😐

That's not necessarily a behind-the-scenes story, so why not share?

I'm documenting after all...

Okay okay....about that...

I have applied for admission at my school of choice, known as UNIZIK.

It's in the east..which is far from the south (Lagos) where I currently reside.

I'm an indigene, meaning my state of origin is where the school is located...and my dad said that I would travel only once...and I won't come back to Lagos ever again.

Well, it makes sense, since I'll be there for 4 years.

And my extended family members live in the east, so it's quite convenient....and safe, according to my dad.

That's all for the update....

Let's get into Highlights and then I'll share a chat I had with my AI assistant.

365 Days With Self-discipline 

📌 On Learning From Your Illness

"When you become ill, regard your illness as your teacher, not as something to be hated."

Quote by George Ivanovich Gurdjieff

Nothing in life is more important than health, but we fail to understand this fact until we become ill and lose what we’ve been taking for granted for so long.

At first, you deny it. 

Then you start wondering, “Why me?” Then you start hating it, and the more that negative emotions breed inside you, the more difficult it is to battle against the illness.

Many illnesses are preventable, or at least you can greatly reduce your risk for them by adopting healthy habits. Other illnesses can fall upon anyone, making your life miserable without it being your fault.

In both cases, setting aside the obvious fact that it would be better not to have it at all, an illness can serve as a teacher. 

In fact, regarding your illness as a mentor is the only way in which you can effectively cope with it. 

Denial, hate, regret, or frustration ultimately only work against you.

If you’re currently dealing with an illness, look at it as an opportunity to review your life, your lifestyle choices, and your priorities. 

Take advantage of the fact that now you understand on a visceral level how important health is and make those healthy changes you’ve been postponing for so long.

Finally, think of the illness as a challenge to overcome, and if it’s chronic and incurable, seek examples from people who live their lives to the fullest despite not being in the best health or physical condition: 

* Nick Vujicic (a motivational speaker who was born without all four limbs), 

* Sean Swarner (the first two-time cancer survivor to climb the seven highest peaks of the seven continents), 

* Randy Pausch (a professor given three months to life who gave an inspiring lecture entitled “The Last Lecture” which went on to become a global phenomenon), 

* or Jessica Cox (the first pilot without arms).

No comments here 🤐

It's pretty understandable.

Key lesson is to take a difficulty as a learning experience, even if it's permanent.

Moving on....

I chatted with my assistant on the importance of monthly reflection.

Here's how it went:

Me: It's the last day of the month...

Is it important to do an assessment of how the month went?

ChatGPT: Yes, it can be really helpful. Reflecting on the month gives you a chance to notice what worked, what didn’t, and how you grew. 

It’s less about judgment and more about awareness; so you can move into the next month with more intention.

Me: Noted ✍🏼 

So what are some areas we should reflect on as young individuals?

ChatGPT: Great question. Some meaningful areas to reflect on include:

* Emotional well-being: How did you feel most of the month? What triggered stress or peace?

* Relationships: How did you show up for others, and yourself?

* Goals and habits: Did you stay aligned with your values and intentions?

* Growth and learning: What did you learn, about the world, others, or yourself?

* Energy and time use: Where did your time and energy go? Was it worth it?

The aim isn’t perfection, just honest awareness.

Me: Okay....but is there a difference when we don't reflect on the past month?

How does it affect our performance?

ChatGPT: Yes, there's a difference. When we don’t reflect, we’re more likely to:

* Repeat unhelpful patterns without realizing it  

* Miss small wins that could motivate us  

* Drift instead of moving intentionally  

* Feel more overwhelmed or disconnected from our goals  

Reflection builds awareness. And with awareness comes better choices and more purposeful growth.

Me: More purposeful growth...

I like that 😌

Is journaling effective during one's reflection?

ChatGPT: Absolutely 😌 

Journaling helps you slow down, process thoughts clearly, and spot patterns you might otherwise miss. It makes your reflection more concrete; turning vague feelings into insights. Over time, it becomes a map of your growth.

Me: A map? 🤨

ChatGPT: Yes; like a personal trail of where your mind and choices have been. Each journal entry captures your thoughts, struggles, and wins. 

Looking back, you start seeing patterns: what triggers you, what drives you, what helps you grow. That’s how it becomes a “map” of your inner journey.

Me : Oh...I get it now!

What we don't document, we can't track. Right?

ChatGPT: Exactly! If you don’t document it, you lose the chance to notice patterns, progress, or areas needing change. 

Tracking gives clarity and clarity fuels growth.

Me: So the key activity here is tracking how the month went....

And this can be applied to different areas of one's life...like spiritual and financial aspects, right?

ChatGPT: Yes, that’s right. Tracking helps you see how you’re doing across any part of your life; spiritual, financial, emotional, or even habits. It shows what’s working and what needs attention.

Me: And the last day of the month is the best time to reflect...like I was trying to confirm earlier.

ChatGPT: Exactly! The last day gives a natural pause to look back and plan ahead. It creates a clear boundary between what’s done and what’s next.

Me: ...a clear boundary between what's done and what's next...😌

Can you give a short summary of our discussion so far?

ChatGPT: Sure! 

Reflecting on the past month helps create purposeful growth by understanding what worked and what didn’t. 

Journaling and tracking progress act like a map, guiding you forward. 

The last day of the month is ideal for this reflection because it marks a natural boundary between what’s finished and what’s to come. Applying this to different life areas keeps growth balanced and intentional.

Me: Nice 🙂 

How about a suitable conclusion...poetry style?

ChatGPT: Here’s a short poem for you:

At month’s soft close, we pause and see,  

The steps we took, who we will be.  

In mindful gaze, the past aligns,  

To shape the path where hope now shines.

Nice way to end a chat....😏

I like poems and rhymes, so I just prefer it to a regular conclusion.

It may not be same for you tho...

But rhymes don't bite, do they?

Thanks for reading 🎀 

For showing up on my little corner of the internet...and for remembering a writer who's living her story.

Don't forget to share...if you think this post is worth sharing ☺️

I'm Duon Ada.

I'm documenting 2025,

And I'll see you tomorrow.

Ciao 💕