We live in an era where medical advances have given us the impression that there should be some type of treatment for every ailment we have. Medicine has its challenges, and people are getting frustrated with the limitations they are now facing with the insurance changes and the strong reality of needing to become more involved in their own health care. There is limited time for hand holding in the doctor’s offices. We all have to be our own advocate.
I work with elderly people every day. When faced with declining health and life style changes, it is interesting to see how people deal with their frustration when their body and mind are not working like they used to. I often find that people still want to live, many times pursuing unconventional medical treatment, just to avoid passing on. They are not “ready” to go.
A physician that I work with, who attended medical school in another country, but completed his residencies in the United States once told me, “The United States is the only Country where people do not think they are supposed to die. In other countries people accept death more easily.” That was an eye opening statement for me. I think there is a lot of truth behind that.
So your homework for the next few days is to remember that we should not want to live forever. We were not made to do that. We have parts that wear out (and sometimes need to be replaced). We need a goal that is bigger than we are, to leave a meaningful mark in our place when we are no longer here. What will you be remembered for? Create something. It is never too late to create. “Now, let’s get going!” xo Sally
