We're all human.
We all have needs. We all have desires. Many of our needs are the same. Fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink, shelter from the elements, love, and connection.
Our desires vary, however. Our current situation and past experiences will shape our perception and inform our expectations.
If we’ve only ever known pain, emotional or physical, we may not dare dream of anything else.
If we’ve previously had times of peace, calm, and ease then we desperately long for that again. If we've had glimpses, or more, of happier, carefree times, it can feel so cruel to no longer be able to smile or laugh naturally, to be forced to pretend when in company.
When we receive a diagnosis of a long-term condition the relief of knowing is soon surpassed by the heaviness. The mourning for a life that could have been is so real and tangible. Depression often lurks in the weeks and months after. Ready to swallow the little remaining dignity.
I have lived this scenario several times over the years, with emotional and physical health. But it still got me every time, even though I expected it and knew professionally what to do, it was still necessary to go through this stage.
The thing is, we are all human. We all grieve. But we can all do so differently.
It's OK to be sad. It's OK to be angry, to be furious at all the losses. All the things that will never be. At the unfairness. It’s OK to be numb. To not know how you feel emotionally.
But when you're done. It's OK to start to live again. But living differently. Learning to live in a way that accommodates the new knowledge.
As I said, I've done this several times. Some would call me resilient. But then aren't we all? We all get up every single day with our bodies hurting or our minds causing us to doubt ourselves. Everyone living with a diagnosis of a chronic condition. I just want you to know you've got this.
The best thing about being human is that we are all adaptable. We can find ways to survive. We evolve.
If you would like some support to evolve, I'm here to help. Learning how to switch off and take care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your physical, emotional, and mental health. Join me for a FREE Class, Relax Your Mind. Relax Your Body to learn a scientifically proven method.