Deglamorise suffering

It was important to write this one. Because we regularly get encouraging messages about positivity and strength. The truth is, it often doesn't come through. It is difficult to be positive when you have been healthy all your life and suddenly it feels like that will no longer be the case. You will expect important people like your colleagues and friends to empathise and have your back but sometimes, they will fail. You will expect that particular drug to not cause all the side effects it claims, but it will still happen. You will expect your doctor to give you absolute confidence and attention but they may fail. The truth is, sometimes the world will let you down, and be positive will sound very empty and honestly, pissing off at times.
There have been sagas of K's bravery in confronting the disease and the very intense treatment. But for someone living it every day, this was not a choice but an imposition. He would rather be fit and common than unwell and special and brave.
We have quickly learnt that suffering has been glamorised under the garb of motivation and bravery far too often. Probably due to the lack of better phrases to express our concern as friends and family.So here are some words/actions I propose to use when a loved one is going through rough times
-pray to give them strength in tough times
-if you belong to their work/home ecosystem, try to make their day more comfortable physically. Our country is not the most friendly for those who are not at their fittest
-dont say be positive, say its ok to not have hope on some days. On others, wish for them to find reasons to see the silver lining
-dont say you are inspired by their bravery, say that you hope they can be strong enough to deal with it.
-dont say dont worry, offer ways to address some of their worries.