"Change is the only constant thing in this world. Just like seasons, life and people changes too. You get things the way you like it and then something beyond your authority bumps you off. You gain friends, lose a few. You grow up and learn things you never thought you would know through your journey."
At first sight this may not appear to be relevant to us. But it is.
Thanks for this. When I was referred to the pain clinic I had a couple of months of really useful therapy sessions about not only seeing myself differently but changing behaviours and attitudes to myself and my body. It wasn't the first counselling or therapy I gave had in my life, nor was it the last. I had several month of cognitive behavioural therapy which without doubt has saved me on many occasions. The old theories of the sick role have a lot to answer for in terms of how society, employers, family, friends and ourselves relate to chronic illness. I don't necessarily agree with all this but it has the main issues. I don't think change has occurred quickly in this context. 😁😉
I'm currently taking a little course on memoir writing. Nearly over This week's assignment was to consider health, wellbeing, body image (as kids, teens, young people and today) that sort of thing. And to consider a time when we were "stopped" by illness, injury or such. I immediately thought of the day I presented to the doctor's office and was nearly turned away as I was not considered a patient there any more, my own GP having left.
I'd say PMR "stopped" me. And then with treatment it changed me. Whether I truly am a better person now who knows, but I certainly feel I have a lot more experience of what life is all about, and a lot more compassion for others. If someone were to tell me I could go back five or six years and pick up where I was then and never be sick, I wonder would I do it? Probably not. The periods of suffering are also periods where we can grow, and once through them I think few of us would give up that growth.
For me, the relationship between my mental and physical health is an infinite loop. With an attitude adjustment, I can deal with some serious physical issues healthily...conversely, if I'm down and muddled any physical problem can 'win' instead of me controlling it to the best of my ability. I've benefited so much from my therapy sessions~they have given me the strength to 'be me' and do what is right for me.
I agree with you that there are many lessons to be learned that come from some suffering. I, too, would like to think that I have grown and become a better person, but how objective could I be?
When I was in my 20s and 30s, I was quite petite. But in my 40s and 50s,I put on weight, but in my 60s, I got up to 300 pounds, and you know what? I was grateful because I learned first hand how differently people treat large people; there are so many negative assumptions. It also taught me a lot about what is truly important in a person, not the glossy exterior but the character, integrity, and compassion within their hearts. I joined an Overeaters Group and lost some weight but didn't forget what I learned and gained the gift of being comfortable with my body.
I got off on a tangent, but point being, there is always something to be gained. I find the fastest way to take my mind off my problems was to reach out and help other people.
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