Responding to the Call

We’re all called by something.  When diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness it’s your health that is sounding the call.  I’m amazed how many people go through the motions when answering the call thinking they are doing all they can to get well.  The truth is that a half-hearted attempt isn’t going to suffice.  You have to put everything you have behind your beliefs and turn them to actions.

I heard a radio ad today that shocked me.  It isn’t often that illnesses or life circumstances related to health advertise on the radio, but lo and behold the voice of those facing chronic and/or debilitating pain has a radio commercial.  The last line of the ad says, “Speak Up…Speak Out…Take Action”.  It’s clear and to the point.  Is there any part of that phrase that you can argue with?  Do you think this phrase only pertains to those facing pain issues?  Don’t be ridiculous, every patient should consider these three steps as part of their treatment regimen.

When you  respond to the call, in this case “Speak Up…Speak Out…Take Action” you are activating parts of your physical, emotional, and spiritual being that may have been napping for a very long time.  It’s this motto, slogan, or challenge that will provide you with a road map to making the great shift; moving from a passive stance as a patient to an active patient.

This ad was heard on NPR following an interview on “Talk of the Nation” shedding light on the issues related to individuals who are intellectually challenged.  One caller whose son has Cerebral Palsy shared how that when people stare at her son she engages them in conversation.  She will ask them if they have questions.  Her idea is to engage in a way that she’s speaking out by encouraging others to voice their unease and lack of understanding. 

Don’t you think the same is true when you see a woman in a store wearing a baseball cap or scarf clearly with no hair beneath?  How can they speak up/speak out/take action?  It doesn’t have to be out for the whole world to hear, but something very private, but it needs to happen.  You need to respond to the call with your biggest voice possible.