Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 12

“It is easy to live for others; everybody does. I call on you to live for yourselves.”

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

When worsening osteoarthritis in my hips made it necessary for me to start using a cane, my first reaction was a negative one. I saw the cane as a symbol of deterioration rather than a tool that would help me walk more easily and reduce pain. It took me some time to turn my thinking around.

Another obstacle I had to surmount was the reaction of some friends and family members. A few blurted out, “What’s the cane for?” or “You’re too young to use a cane!” Others simply looked at me with an expression of profound sadness. I realized they were upset for two reasons: First, because they didn’t want to see me suffering. And second, because a cane didn’t fit their image of me as a youthful, active, free-spirited person.

I used the cane for two weeks. Then, responding to other people’s reactions and my own self-consciousness, I left it home for two weeks. That hiatus convinced me how necessary and helpful the cane really was. Clearly, I must do what is right for my health, regardless of my own or other people’s reactions.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I will focus less on self-image and more on self-healing.