What people said to me
About my recovery
Part 3 of a series on recovery. Last week I shared some of what made its contribution to my recovery - physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. This week we’ll explore what others said to me as I learned to drown out the noise and tune into my own inner knowing, choosing the path that came to me with a glimmer of hope.
The first one so far that is every bit the short one I’ve been promising!
What people said to me from the moment I prioritised my health above everything:
“I wouldn’t bother.”
“You’re selfish.”
“You’re committing career suicide.”
“You don’t know what you are doing.”
“The neurologist knows best.”
“You’re too vulnerable.”
What people said to me once my health had improved beyond what was medically believed possible:
“You must have had an amazing team of physicians.”
“At least you had the money.”
“Healing is possible when you have someone paying all your bills.”
“You’ve been lucky to recover.”
“I’m still sceptical.”
“I’ve been told its not possible for me.”
“I want what you have Amber, I just don’t want to do the work.”
“I’d rather buy a packet of fags and a box of wine and stay sick.”
All of these are true statements of words mainly shared face to face with people I know or have met in person, a couple were shared online.
What’s been interesting is that when people have taken interest and asked me “what’s changed?” it triggered the shit out of me.
It was like there was this whole other person inside me screaming
“What’s changed? What’s F’ing changed?!?!?!?!
My whole life - that’s what’s F’ing changed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
For such a long time, I wished I could respond as calmly on the inside as I appeared on the outside and say
“Me. I’ve changed. That’s what’s changed”.
Over to you
How do loved ones, co-workers and healthcare specialists respond to you making your health a priority?
What assumptions are made when your health remains the same, deteriorates and/or improves?
A question I have wondered so many times is, did it make my journey harder, no-one believing that maybe I could? What impact do you feel the opinion’s, beliefs and advice of everyone around you has on your recovery and wellbeing?
How do the opinions, beliefs and “should/shouldn’t do’s” of others differ from your own knowings, insights and beliefs?
Catch up on the series so far
Part 1:
Part 2:
Buy My e-Book - Unleashing My Inner Power: Daring to Dream & Flying Fearless.
A short transformative memoir with 3 part journal, teaching you how to unleash your inner power, reconnect to your evolved dreams and learn to fly fearlessly in the direction of what it is you truly want. What is it that you truly want?
What a cracking punchy piece! 💚
Great piece! I guess the most common thing for me is that people presume I'm doing something wrong because I haven't got well. I have times of improvement (hopefully now even if very very, oh so painfully slow) but I haven't got to a place of earning (other than an occasional art sale) there's so much judgement on people who are unable to work, as if it's a choice! X