Acceptance — A Powerful Element of Healing… and in Life

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Acceptance makes an incredible fertile soil for the seeds of change.

—Steve Maraboli

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Acceptance and the Healing Journey

In following along with my reflections, you may notice the recurrent reference to illness and healing as a journey. That is what life is, a journey through time [*Merriam-Webster]. And my life consists (mostly) of coping with illness and juggling treatments + complicated, non-linear healing — my illness + healing journey through time.

While not physically traveling the world (or anywhere these days), continual movement from one place to another* is happening within this body. Seems as though I’m constantly searching, trying to find my way. An endless adventure, minus jet lag… and cool vacation pics!

Acceptance is an ongoing, ever-evolving process. One that plays a powerful role in my healing. It’s not easy, accepting life’s bumpiness. Constant changes in terrain makes grasping true acceptance even more of an encumbrance. But, hey, who doesn’t love a good challenge?!

It’s so worth the effort and practice, this life is complicated + shtuff happens + coping process. Once able to fully accept current struggles and colorful seasons, a true sense of peace and calm take over — leaving behind unwanted heaviness and pain, allowing more space for joy and gratefulness.

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How great would it be to stay in such a happy, pain-free, peaceful state?  (Afterlife goals!)

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Minor Lumps and Bumps

From the time I started writing this post, to the several months following that it took to finally hit “publish”, unexpected bumpiness added to life’s journey. With new fun “flavors” in the mix, perspective and acceptance tend to teeter — daily. (Remember, ‘ongoing, ever-evolving process.’)

But really, who needs peace and calm? Said no one, ever! 

Not too long ago, a pesky health concern (separate from the norm) popped up on the radar. Nothing serious. A minor skin cancer issue. Mohs procedure done, squamous-cell carcinoma gone — good to go. An inch-plus “beauty mark” above my right temple remains as a reminder. But vanity aside, cancer cells removed! (Battle scars are cool, right?)

Not-so-cool: post-procedure antibiotics. Crazy how much a stout dose of Cefuroxime can mess with a Lymie’s treatment + immune system. I am genuinely grateful for infection prevention. Truly I am. But… antibiotics… grrrr! For most normal humans, no big dealio — take your Rx, maybe add in some probiotics for gut repair — then A-okay. There is absolutely nothing “normal” about Lyme patients with our persister cells and biofilms and inflammation and mast cells and leaky gut and trying to detox and actually heal while attempting to coexist as one big happy and harmonious immune system (is that even a real ‘thing?’).

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Summary: Minor procedure + antibiotics = major bump in my healing process. Again… grrrr!

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Prior to that particular bumpiness, I had settled in quite comfortably within the realm of acceptance of my then, current normal. Healing was progressing. I was improving at a slow-yet-steady pace, upright more and more, gaining energy and stamina. And really looking forward to a summer filled with fun activities: spending time with family and friends, enjoying some natural vitamin-D + pool time, hitting the walking trails, and anything else this body would allow.

What a difference a few months (and heavy dose of antibiotics) can make — to this body of mine.

Another summer spent not checking off to-do’s from my hopeful, fun-in-the-sun list. Nope. Instead, horizontal. Down for the count. Hit by a truck. No get up and go…

You get the idea!

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During the summer months in the desert, temperatures hang around in the triple digits. So, in fairness, resting in the comfy-ness of an air conditioned domicile is a grateful blessing. (Perspective!)

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Embracing the Current Normal

When not-so-fun waves hit, this generally has me feeling poorly (some days really lousy) and lacking mucho desired go-juice. Down cycles also have a tendency to allow waaay too much time to think, and not necessarily in a productive fashion. Unwelcome bumps can play a number on one’s already delicate psyche.

Productive consultations with my doctor are what is in order for this patient. Much needed, and generally helps to re-focus my thoughts and energy away from the negative: setbacks, emotional stress and dreaded fight or flight response. When new treatments and/or tweaks to existing protocols are set into motion, this can offer immense hope — hope that healing progress will re-gain momentum.

Acceptance once again shifts back to the forefront of my mindset + coping process. Clearing out unnecessary, unproductive thoughts allows me to reevaluate and embrace my current normal — to feel at peace with my here and now — while Holding on to Hope for future healing.

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Quick interjection: “Normal” is sooo subjective, yes?!

What one person considers standard, routine, common is more than likely all-kinds-of-shades different than yours or mine; most assuredly, when comparing healthy, strong peeps to those living with illness or disabilities. Add in everyone in-between — that’s a lot o’shades of “normal.”

Anywho…

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No pretending here, I am no fan of setbacks or disappointment. Who is?!

An abundance of both have accumulated over the years throughout this illness + healing journey. Coping with “bumps” along the path is what we living beings do — it’s part of life. In order to move forward, we (hopefully) learn how to accept our reality, pick up the broken pieces, dust ourselves off, let go of what was… in order to make room for what is yet to be.

All easier written and said than done, but vital to improving one’s quality of life.

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Acceptance is a powerful element in healing… in life.

—tmm

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There is no time limit on processing life’s bumpiness — personal struggles, grief, loss (of a loved one, health due to illness, relationships, one’s career, autonomy) or setbacks of any kind. Working through necessary steps in the coping + healing process is an individual journey. Accepting what is — illness and/or life struggles — doesn’t mean we are throwing in the towel, giving up, or giving in. Quite the opposite.

Acceptance allows for:

Release — of unhealthy thoughts;

Resolve — finding a way to move forward, even in the smallest of ways;

Renewed Mindset — less static; a sense of peace.

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Let me bring this reflection to a close with a sentiment that I share often, as it’s worth repeating.

Life is an amazing, beautiful, glorious gift — filled with endless blessings. And, at times, overwhelming, disappointing, and oh so complicated.

Whatever struggles come your/our way, may we face them head on with strength and courage, hope and faith, and with the love and support of others. May each of us be blessed with family and friends firmly by our side. But, in their absence, you, me — we — are not in this alone. There is a caring online community out there — a family, our tribe — filled with fellow peeps who ‘get it,’ whatever ‘it’ may be.

Please reach out your hand, day or night.

You are never alone!

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Until my next Reflection…

Prayers, love, and light are with you, lovelies — always.

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A special shout out to all caregivers: you are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Thank you for all you do, each and every day, to help your loved ones and/or others in need. Blessings to each of you, you wonderful, giving humans you! — xxoo

To my hubby, my rock: your unconditional, unwavering love and support keeps me going and in-check — blessings I hope to never take for granted. You are, and forever will be, my soo-pee-ray-man. — LYSHTIAB (Maybe I’ll explain this, “you had to be there,” moment in a future post. Maybe!)

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All photos used in this post were taken by me:
Southern AZ; Bandon Dunes, OR; Kauai, HI

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#acceptance #life #illness #healing #keepmovingforward #strength

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