This topic is about finding humor, positivity, and confidence while recovering in a rehab facility, especially when living with an ostomy. The writer shares their experience of sharing a room with three other patients, each dealing with their own health challenges. The writer, who has Crohn’s disease and an ostomy, reflects on how people react to illness and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.

Here are some key takeaways and advice:

1. Ignore outside opinions; what truly matters is how you see yourself.
2. Having an ostomy does not lessen your value. What counts is your survival and your ability to make a positive impact on the world.
3. Cultivate a positive mindset because "your mentality creates your reality."
4. Avoid drama, surround yourself with laughter, cherish those who treat you well, pray for those who don’t, and remember that falling down is part of life; getting back up is living.
5. Never give up on yourself and always maintain a positive attitude, no matter how chaotic things may seem around you.
6. An ostomy can extend your life, allowing you to feel healthier and more alive.
7. Let go of the past, focus on the future, and embrace being part of the "secret society" of ostomates as a privilege, not a stigma.
8. Use humor to navigate difficult environments, as it can be a powerful tool for coping.
9. Keep writing, keep smiling, and remember that ostomates are not second-class citizens.