Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In). The word “condition” has several meanings. One of these is “an illness or health problem that lasts a long time and affects the way you live.” Do you have a condition? A lot of us do.

Conditions? I’ve got a few. Most of the conditions I have aren’t terribly serious, at least not at this point, but at one time in my life, I did have one that was. It lasted for years and dominated my life, but it shouldn’t have. It wouldn’t have if I hadn’t embraced it whole-heartedly. I gave in when I should have kept fighting.

One of the things that people who develop a condition do that can be detrimental to moving beyond it, or at least accepting it in a healthy way, is to take ownership of it, make friends with it. They also tend to use it as an excuse for all kinds of things, some more valid than others.

“I’d love to go to May’s recital, but my condition won’t allow it.”

“I can’t talk right now. My condition is acting up.”

“Can I get a discount on the buffet? My condition prevents me from eating more than a child’s potion.”

I’m not saying you’re not dealing with a legitimate issue. What I am saying, and I speak from experience, is that it doesn’t pay to cozy up to that sucker. Don’t refer to it as “my” whatever. When you do that, you get a bit too comfortable with the idea. If you still have a chance to beat it, or at least keep it at bay, don’t surrender too easily.