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Not so Benign


Essential Tremors was originally called Benign Familial Tremor but when doctors realized the inconsistencies of this,they made the decision to change the name of the condition.  ET while most certainly not malignant it also more life altering than something that is 'benign'.  After this then removing the word "benign.'  The condition is also not consistently genetic so the need to remove familial was obvious.  Changing the name to Essential Tremors, does always give my support group a good chuckle though since as individuals with ET we certainly do not feel our tremor is essential to anything. 
Being able to laugh at yourself especially with ET is a crucial part of living everyday life.  The ability to hold your head up high and simply walk through the grocery store can be exhausting.  Our thoughts dictate our actions yes but when our bodies are experiencing involuntary actions because of a condition we have it can be difficult to stay positive.  This is where being able to laugh comes into play.  Learning to not take yourself so seriously is part of maturing and growing, having a condition like Essential Tremors from young age makes you do that just wee-bit quicker than those around you. 
When laughter is one of our greatest gifts, why not use it? It is literally the best medicine.  It makes our crazy, hectic, sometimes tragic and painful lives livable and worthwhile.  There's nothing more satisfying than laughing till your stomach hurts or sharing an inside joke with a good friend.  Research shows that laughter reduces stress and strengthens our immune system.  Laughter is just another tool to put in the giant tool belt of therapies to make living with ET just a little bit easier.


#notsobenign #essentialtremors #ET101 #girlwithtremors #Laugheveryday #laughatyourself #Laugh #livelaughlove #loveyourself #laughteristhebestmedicine #spreadawareness #createawareness #nonprofit #notsoserious

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