The world is constantly evolving so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the same goes for our lives. Every day we have the opportunity to create new experiences and deepen our inner lives. Until you were diagnosed with a chronic or life-altering illness you may not have been thinking about the changes that could possibly be happening within your body.
Bill Weir, co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline, was doing a story on healthcare. He had a full-body scan and the doctor found some calcification in one of his valves. The findings weren’t necessarily surprising, but his reaction was the surprising piece of the story. Until he had this scan he felt he was invincible. He hadn’t had a physical exam in at least three years; I wonder if that’s denial, arrogance, or stupidity. His reaction was common to anyone whose had unsuspecting information given by your doctor; his life flashed before his eyes. He was foreshadowing what life would be like for his daughter without her father.
He’s not the first and certainly won’t be the last person who believed they were invincible to ill-health. Weir has the fortunate opportunity to reverse the findings of his new diagnosis. What we have to wonder is how will this new translated life play itself out. We may never see a follow-up to Weir’s story, but what about the new translation in your own life? What will you be doing to allow your life to evolve?
Unfortunately, Rosetta Stone doesn’t have a language program for learning the language of medicine. The new vocabulary and life regimens can only be learned by immersion. The do say that immersion is the best way to learn a new language, so how can you become fluent? The easiest way is to live with lots of curiosity. I encourage you to ask your doctor lots of questions. I was fortunate because my doctor, after showing me my ultra-sound, figured it would be easier if he drew me a picture (good doctor, not so good artist).
How will you be living a life in translation? How will you become bi-lingual and bi-cultural with the healthcare industry?
