we consider a ‘problem’ by finding some way to feel better. We use and then misuse a
substance because it alters our mood or behavior long enough to push the reason for
misery out of our consciousness for an hour, a day or a night. Then we start over again
when that ‘reason’ reappears.
Although I personally abused my body through an out of control sugar addiction, I
have known others who abused alcohol, narcotics, prescription (licit) drugs, or illegal
drugs. My self-inflected and wounding addiction made my best choices during difficult
times next to impossible. Over time and through my studies, I learned that the process of
healing of the body, spirit and addictive habit is directly related to our mindset.
I never tire from reading the stories of people who are living examples of courage,
inner strength, faith and the power of positive thinking.
Stephen Hawking, a renowned theoretical cosmology physicist, spent thirty years as a
professor of mathematics at Cambridge while suffering with ALS—also known as Lou
Gehrig's disease. Most patients die within five years after being diagnosed with this
daunting disease. Hawking spent years speaking to the public about black holes and
quantum gravity from a wheelchair, operating his trademark computer system with his
cheek when he was paralyzed from the neck down.
Christopher Reeve, known worldwide as Superman in three films about this superhero,
was also an equestrian who participated in show jumping competitions. An accident,
when he flew over the head of his horse at a three-bar obstacle, left him a quadriplegic
bound to a wheelchair and a portable ventilator. Reeve lived for nine years after his
accident and became the face of courage for those in his condition. He set up a
foundation for spinal cord research. "We live in a time when the words 'impossible' and
'unsolvable' are no longer part of the scientific community's vocabulary," he said. Reeve
also wrote in his 1998 memoir Still Me. “I believe that it’s what you do after a disaster that can give it meaning.”
Charles
Click Follow to receive emails when this author adds content on Bublish
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.