When I used to do long distance hiking, it was common practice to ask hikers coming the other way about the conditions up ahead. There is a unique camaraderie on wilderness trails. I found people for the most part eager to provide whatever information they thought could be helpful. They would warn about a snow patch up ahead, give detailed instructions for taking the right path at the next junction, and try to give an accurate gauge of the remaining distance. I think it is human nature to try to help others with the wisdom you have gained from your own experience.
My healing journey has been a bit like a long distance hiking trail. It has always been my hope that I would learn something that I could then use to help others. Since every healing journey is different, I can’t say for certain what is ahead for anyone else and I can’t provide a map to follow. I can only share what I have learned.
My biggest challenge on my healing journey has been that I have felt so bad about myself for being sick and not being able to figure out how to help myself despite my all my efforts. If I could go back in time to give my younger self a message this is what I would tell her.
1. You are not broken.
Having an illness does not mean you are broken and need to be fixed.
2. Healing is a journey.
Healing is more than making an illness go away. It is a return to wholeness. This can happen within the experience of having a disease.
3. Trust your intuition.
There is so much out there that promises relief: diets, programs, supplements, procedures. Trust your intuition to guide you to what is right for you. This may take some practice to develop this skill.
4. Trying something that doesn’t help is not a failure.
Not everything you try to take care for your body will be right for you. This is not a failure, just an experience on the journey.
5. You do not have to be ashamed of your illness.
There is nothing that you have to be ashamed of. You don’t have to hide from your friends or colleagues.
6. Love yourself.
Self-love is not something that you do, it is an attitude. See yourself in a positive light and try to make your inner dialogue loving instead of critical.
7. There is light in this tunnel.
This is not the experience you wanted for your life. There will be a lot of pain, frustration, sadness and grief. This experience will also give you the opportunity to change, grow and learn.
8. You are amazing.
For every time you get up despite feeling unwell and every time you decide to stay in bed; for every time you laugh and every time you cry, remember that no matter what you are amazing. You are a unique and beautiful individual and you matter.
Some of the content of this article comes from an article I wrote for the Mighty.com. That article is here.
