As I continue on this path of trying to figure out how to manage my health and various symptoms, I think a lot about chronic illness. I’ve read a few books, and probably spend too much time googling, but I don’t want it to take over my life…I don’t want my life to be ABOUT my health. As always, I’m looking for balance, and I want to take control of how I perceive myself and my illness. I am still really reeling a bit—in a good way–from the support group sessions I attended at Elliott Counseling. For me, attending them, and talking with others that have some of the same issues, made me feel stronger. I can’t explain it exactly, but I felt like I WAS somehow taking control. It has stayed with me even as the days pass since that last group.
I’m involved with this group in two ways. I’m doing some work for Elliott Counseling, but I am also attending as a participant. I recently came across a quote from a former patient of one of the facilitators, Sheerine, that gave me pause.
“…being strong and healthy is a process, and a process that can be difficult alone. Elliott Counseling Group and Sheerine B., have been a very strong guiding, yet empowering force showing me… a much healthier existence for myself and my family.”
That line about being strong and healthy is a PROCESS that can be difficult alone, that really stuck with me. It made me think about the loneliness of this journey. And let me tell you, I have incredible friends and a great support system, and a family I utterly adore and depend on, but sometimes you are alone, because YOU are the only one experiencing it. And I guess that’s why I found the support group session to be so important to me. Joining a group is generally pretty much outside my comfort zone, but I am so glad I did this. I guess I’m learning something new about myself.
So, two new bits of knowledge today!
- The smooth avocados aren’t as good as the nubby ones for chocolate pudding.
- I can go outside my comfort zone and enjoy being in a group.
Who’da thunk?
Onward.