Today's Meditation

 

April 21 

“It is an absolute perfection to know how to get the very most out of one’s own individuality.” MICHEL EYQUEM DE MONTAIGNE 

We’ve all heard the expression “perfect patient.” When illness strikes some of us try to be just that—the “perfect patient.” Almost immediately, our unconscious minds burden us with expectations of how we should feel, how we should behave, and even how quickly we should heal. Perhaps we had parents who, when sick, were stoic and uncomplaining to the point of denial. So we expect no less from ourselves. When we can’t keep up the front—when self-pity and negative projection overflow—our “failure” adds guilt to the burden. Some of us grew up with role models who claimed they never were sick a day in their life. They played off that fact by drumming into our heads the notion that “if you live right you’ll stay healthy.” Naturally, we feel that it’s our own fault when we become ill. Before we can move forward on the path to healing and wholeness, we must smash the myth of the “perfect patient.” We must unchain ourselves from old ideas and outdated expectations and create our own expectations. By doing so, we give ourselves the opportunity to move toward wellness in our own unique way. 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 Trying to live up to someone else’s expectations is one burden too many.

Dorian, J.S.. Above and Beyond: 365 Meditations for Transcending Chronic Pain and Illness . Central Recovery Press, LLC. Kindle Edition. 

My Share

For me, living with chronic and having diabetes, I often wonder how much of it is my fault. I usually tell myself that if I had just lived right, then it wouldn't have happened to me.  I know  I would have never told my patient that their condition is their fault and they deserved it.  It is their responsibility to take care of themselves though for the best optimal health they could have. 

I am having a hard time with diabetes right now.  I know the type I have is progressive with age. The simple fact is that some people can eat the same thing I eat and it will not raise their blood sugar.  Last year, I was able to get away with a lot more carbs than I can this year. I aged and so did my pancreas. So, now it is easy to start shaming myself and that in itself is going to raise it even more.  All I can do is take care of myself right now. Yes, I am upset that this has happened to me again.  Aging is just no fun you all.