The Jellyfish

“ It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

Charles Darwin

We may be a little unsure when we meet a jellyfish but they are remarkable creatures. They are actually not a fish, but an invertebrate. They are one of the oldest evolutionary species to be found on our earth. They have drifted along on ocean currents for millions of years, even before dinosaurs lived on the Earth. They have no heart, brain or blood.

I was strong before I got sick and although my body is remarkable in the strength it has displayed over the years and continues to display, despite multiple relapses, serious medication and medical procedures, it is not as strong as it used to be. Intelligent decisions are vital in managing chronic conditions effectively and more independently, but being adaptable to change, I believe, is the most important factor in trying to sustain holistic health and wellbeing whilst living with a chronic condition.

I honestly don't know how my body is going to be behaving from one day to another. That is the nature of my conditions. However, what I am much better at now, and I believe why my health is more stable, is having a plan that is dynamic and listens to my body very carefully hour to hour and changing the plan accordingly with any change. I am also a lot better at putting things in place in advance to enable me, rather than disable me. That is why I admire the jellyfish. It clearly is a success story of the power of adaptability.

Remember strength and intelligence are very important but that is not why the jellyfish is still here. So next time you see a jellyfish, take a longer look than you would normally. We can actually learn a lot from the jellyfish in reference to resilience. Give them a nod of approval when you next see one because they are actually something to be revered and admired. Go jellyfish!

Claire x

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