I was sent links to a couple of video marketing movies (I think that’s what they’re called.) They both got my attention but one caused me to think about the readers of this blog, and those not yet here. The movie was about dreaming and it asked many questions. Are we too young, too old, too poor or to sick to dream? It featured Lance Armstrong as a reminder of what’s really possible in the face of illness; but he’s never done it for me. I was reminded, though, of the people I’ve heard about with potentially terminal illnesses who decided that they would use their remaining time to live life to the best of their ability and continue with their work. Some of these same people were not in touch with a mission or purpose before illness, but their illness seemed to give rise to its expression.
I wonder if it’s easier to be grateful, to be reminded of the freedom we really have to choose how we live our lives when faced with a terminal illness instead of a chronic illness. I hope not but I can understand it. Chronic illness means we may face weeks, months and years of debilitating symptoms. If symptoms and pain wax and wane we are the more fortunate but we are still aware they might come back.
Our personalities and choices may be altered by pain, our symptoms and the medicines we take but it doesn’t mean we have to retreat from the world or take away our gifts from the people we care about. We can, but we don’t have to. Here’s the real rub. When we do retreat and rant and blame we actually diminish our capacity for healing. Healing is not the same as being symptom free. It’s more about adapting, learning, sharing and giving. Interestingly enough, with this approach we’ll probably feel better too. That’s been my experience anyway.
If you think you might want to stay in touch with your dream here’s the link to the viral movie I mentioned (Oh, I guess the viral part works!) http://www.thedreammovie.com
Joan
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