by Beamlak Alebel (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Two hands reach towards one another. One is handing a black paper heart to the other outstretched hand.
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a journey no one truly understands unless they’ve walked it themselves. It changes your body, your mindset, your lifestyle — and even your identity. Over the years, I’ve discovered a rule that helps me rise above the noise, pressure, and pain:
“Let It…”
It reminds me to stop fighting what I can’t change and instead make peace with it — to keep breathing, keep moving, and most of all, keep living.
Let It Be What It Is
IBD is unpredictable. One day you feel okay; the next, you’re back in the hospital.
I remember one exam day when the classroom was overcrowded. I had followed every rule—no phone, fully prepared—but when I arrived, every desk was already taken. There was no seat left for me.
It wasn’t a flare. I had come ready to write the exam, but the conditions made it impossible. I felt angry and frustrated—I had put in the effort, yet I was turned away by circumstances beyond my control. Missing that exam hurt deeply, not only academically but also emotionally. Still, I whispered to myself: “Let it. Everything has a reason.”
Let People Say What They Want
“You don’t look sick.” “Are you sure it’s that serious?” People don’t see what happens behind closed doors — the fatigue, the pain, the hospital visits. Their words used to cut me, but I’ve learned: “I don’t need to prove my pain.”
Let Yourself Say No
There are foods I can’t eat, events I can’t attend, and expectations I can’t meet. I used to feel guilty for saying no, as if I was letting people down. Now I know: “Let yourself say no. It’s not weakness — it’s wisdom.”
Let Hope In
On the hard days, hope is my medicine. Sometimes all I can say to myself is: “Tomorrow is another day.” And that’s enough. Even a tiny spark of hope can carry me through the darkest moments.
Let Go of Pressure
IBD puts pressure on every part of life — physically, emotionally, and socially. I’ve let go of the need to be perfect. If my body tells me to rest, I listen. If I miss something important because of my health, I remind myself: “My health comes first.”
Let Life Be Easier
I no longer compare my life to those who seem to “have it all together.” My peace, joy, and success may look different, and that’s okay: “Let life be gentle, even if it’s not always easy.”
Photo from Unsplash.