Sjogren's is something you live with your whole life. The good news for me is now I know what's happening after spending years not knowing... I feel like I can get better and move on.
Venus WilliamsRead
When you get told that you have a disease, it's like: 'Really? Nah, it's all right. I don't believe that. It must be something else, I'm just making an excuse, let me push harder.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
Receiving a serious diagnosis can lead to denial, but it’s important to confront reality rather than ignore it and push through challenges.
Venus Williams highlights the initial reaction many people have when faced with a serious illness: disbelief and denial. This quote reflects the struggle between accepting a harsh truth about one's health and the instinct to dismiss it, often leading to an attitude of pushing oneself harder despite physical limitations. It encourages a recognition of one's situation while also reflecting the resilience inherent in the human spirit.
Themes
DiseaseResilienceAcceptanceStrengthDenial
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote at a health awareness seminar to inspire others facing similar challenges.
More from Venus Williams
All quotes →I don't want to give anyone an edge in my mind. Every time I walk out on the court, I have to feel I'm the best so I can compete well. A lot of times, my chief rival is just me.
Venus WilliamsRead
I think nowadays it's so easy as an athlete to become a statistic whether or not you lose everything or having trouble or whatever it may be.
Venus WilliamsRead
I have always said that after sport, I wanted a life, I wanted an opportunity, I wanted to be able to do something. And if something happens - the economy falls out or the dollar is worthless, anything could happen - you have to be ready to work. And I'm ready.
Venus WilliamsRead
If I have to work hard or think hard or just copy somebody else that's doing it better - whatever it takes, I'm going to find that solution. That's the drive that keeps me going.
Venus WilliamsRead
Sports are a great place to show that equality can happen.
Venus WilliamsRead
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