I've always enjoyed poor health.

The quote by Taylor Caldwell, an American author, may appear paradoxical at first, as it suggests that the speaker has “always enjoyed” poor health. However, it is likely that Caldwell is using irony to reflect on her experiences with illness. By stating that she has "enjoyed" poor health, she may be commenting on how her struggles with health have shaped her life, giving her a unique perspective or insight that others might not have. Caldwell, known for her thought-provoking writing, could be using this statement to highlight how adversity, even in the form of illness, can lead to personal growth or a deeper understanding of life.

The phrase could also be a commentary on how illness can sometimes lead to unexpected benefits, such as a heightened sense of resilience or creativity. Many artists and writers, including Caldwell, have been known to draw inspiration from their personal struggles, using those challenges to fuel their work. In this sense, Caldwell might be suggesting that her poor health has been an unexpected source of strength or creativity, allowing her to channel her experiences into her writing.

By using the word "enjoyed," Caldwell might also be challenging the conventional notion that health is always a positive condition to be sought after. Instead, she may be subtly questioning the societal obsession with physical health and suggesting that a deeper, perhaps more spiritual or emotional, form of well-being can emerge from challenges like poor health.

In summary, Caldwell’s quote reflects a complex view of poor health, not as something purely negative, but as an experience that can shape a person’s outlook, resilience, and even creativity. It invites us to rethink how we perceive adversity and whether the struggles we face, including health challenges, might sometimes bring unexpected rewards.