How readable are you? There is a continuum from the very stoic person to the person whose heart lives on their sleeve. Are either of these ideal? Well the truth is nothing in extreme form is usually good for us, so we need to come up with some level of balance to live harmoniously within our own bodies.
Emotional transparency for those facing a life-altering diagnosis becomes an important part of living honestly with the cards you’ve been dealt. No one has to put on a game face when tackling huge challenges. When we aren’t connected to our emotional state others will read what they want to read about you. Billy Crystal many years ago had a saying “It’s better to look good, than to feel good.” Although funny as a comedy line, it can be devastating to our daily functioning and harming our health. How many times has someone you know that’s ill heard, “But you don’t look sick”. I always wonder what that means. All I can picture is saying, that’s correct, I don’t carry a toilet around my neck like a horse has a feed sack.
When we are honest about how we’re feeling we’re more inclined to self-nurture. Others are more likely to provide help when help is needed. Your doctor will have a better chance of knowing how best to help you aside from the obvious medical treatment you’re receiving. Struggle does not have to be work like a badge of courage. Let your light shine through even when you have days that may be cloudy or hazy, others will learn to read you, they learn to read the weather don’t they?
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 