Avril Lavigne grateful for Lyme disease

Singer Avril Lavigne, who suffered a severe case of Lyme disease after being bedridden for five months, says she's thankful for the experience.

"Sometimes it takes instances like this to put things in perspective. So in a way, I am grateful for all of this," the 30-year-old pop star told people.com.

Lavigne, who has worked nonstop since she was 17 when her debut album "Let Go" turned out a success, feels being forced to step away from work was a blessing and changed her priorities.

"I've never had this much time off in my life. And I've never been more clear about what I want in life -- health, family, love, happiness," she said.

Her illness also forced her to make some positive changes to her lifestyle.

"(My diet is) sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, all organic. I juice three times a day," Lavigne said.

"I do yoga, meditate and try to swim or walk every day. It's really up and down -- you get better, then you get worse, then better."

Lyme is a bacterial disease spread by tick bites.