This is Day 98 of the Positive 100, a countdown to Rare Disease Day 2014 and an exercise in being positive despite it all.

Joy. Moments of pure bliss. Intense burning happiness. The trick is to not let them be fleeting moments. Forgotten or overshadowed by battles and pain.

It might seem a little crazy to someone who isn’t me. Or who isn’t a designer or some other sort of creative. But design saved my life. And I am never happier than I am when I am designing.

After my car accident, when I could do little else, I could design. When the pain gets bad and I can’t go out, I can still design. When I can’t explain with words how the CRPS has affected me, I can design.

When I am designing, I know where I fit in in this crazy world. My universe makes sense and all the crazy ups and downs fade away. The pain is just a little bit less. My body sucking is just a little bit less.

Colors are more. Flavors are bolder. Scents are sweeter. Everything’s brighter. That’s joy. And that’s what happens when I design.

 

What brings you joy? Share your answer on social media with the hashtag #100positivedays on Twitter, Instagram and Google+.