Overcoming Physical Hurdles

June 29th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Family Health

People are born unique to the rest of their peers in one way or another. Others may find these unique traits otherwise concealed, while there are those whose points of difference are in clear view of the world. These physical differences may be comparatively more difficult to cope with. However, these needn’t be reason to allow one’s self to be overcome by these difficulties.

Often, any physical hurdle creates an almost immediate impetus to find a place to throw the blame. Unfortunately, this blame often falls inwards, particularly when the physical difficulty resulted during birth or through an accident. This unhealthy imposition of blame on the self further feeds feelings of guilt, and may in the long-run contribute to far more self-destructive attitude, leading to depressive disorders and such.

The feelings of anyone with physical difficulties may go from one extreme to another, even if they do not confess to this huge variety of fleeting emotions. This non-admission is often a way for the mind to cope with things that we have to deal with.

The good thing is that physical challenges need not be a hurdle standing in the way of your achieving your dreams and ambitions. However, this reality isn’t one that you can lecture; rather, it is one that each person must discover, learn for themselves, accept, and live by. This process will be made possible by truly being open to the possibilities beyond those that you are able to see for yourself.

Luckily, when you look closely, those who face physical hurdles are often found in the center of a supportive group of people-family, friends, and colleagues. These people are often the ones who love them unconditionally, even if loving means being tough one time or another in order to help that person grow. With the help of these people, any physically-challenged individual can be open, honest, and true to themselves.

Seek that support group, especially during times of greatest physical and emotional difficulty. The special thing about support groups-whether you are intimately related to them like family, or in public support groups-is that they offer a listening ear and no judgments.

If you have a loved one who is physically-challenged, you may find that he is less willing to accept the fact that you love him with no regard for however different he is. This may make it a challenge to love  him more openly, especially because you yourself may not have any clear physical difference. In these instances, do not be afraid to seek the support of those like you, and perhaps, in the process, find words of advice as to how to deal with this situation.

Do not treat a person who is physically-challenged in a special way. You may adjust somewhat to the way he talks or help him walk, but this does not mean you have the license to show pity and treat him any less than how he deserves to be treated. This is ultimately, a show of respect that each person-even those with physical hurdles-expect to be given him.

Differences among people that manifest physically cause challenges not only among those who possess these traits, but also for the people around them who love and support them. However, it is best to muster up the will and courage to overcome this hurdle, because doing so is every bit worth the trouble. Instil in both parties confidence and a feeling of worth, and these physically-challenged individuals may even change your life for the better.

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Dealing with Breast Cancer

January 22nd, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Family Health

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life changing moment. Of course, you are going to be focused on your disease, how to treat it and what your prognosis is. It is important, though, that you don’t make the disease the only thing that matters in your life. You can take care of yourself and make the right medical decisions but still live your life to the fullest.

The key to successful treatment of breast cancer is having a good support system in place. These people can be your family, your friends and neighbors or a support group of people going through the same thing as you.

In order to let your body heal, you need to not let your disease be the center of your life and the only thing you can think about. A good way to get your mind off your breast cancer and onto more positive things is to do yoga. Yoga clears the negative thoughts from your mind and releases the stress from your body. You’ll be more at peace and less anxious after doing yoga which can possibly help the severity of your symptoms.

When something like a breast cancer diagnosis happens, you will feel like you can’t break down because your loved ones need you to be strong. It is perfectly OK to be strong but you also have to have moments of weakness. You have to let the fear and anger out in order to be able to fight back against the disease. After a good cry or some well deserved self pity, you will feel more energized and ready to get back to the fight.

Let people help you so you can relax and take it easy sometimes and ask for help if it is needed. It’s OK to have a friend bring you dinner some nights or watch over your kids so you can take a nap. Your loved ones will want to do things for you so even if it’s difficult, accept their help. You will have more energy to put into your efforts to beat breast cancer if you accept some help from family and friends.

Exercise is great for stress relief so get moving either at the gym or just at home. You will feel better physically and be in a better frame of mind after exercising. A positive attitude is important for fighting breast cancer. You will also work on your body image, which can suffer especially if you end up requiring a mastectomy. You’ll find that working out actually gives you more energy than sitting around doing nothing.

Your life won’t be the same after being diagnosed with breast cancer. This doesn’t mean your life is over, though. You can face this challenge and win with the right attitude. Remember, breast cancer is a highly treatable disease today. Thousands of women have survived breast cancer and you can too.

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