Pilgrim Pathway

It’s Disability Pride Month!  Why July?  It coincides with the signing of the American with Disabilities Act.  There are many times those with chronic and life-threatening, as a result of treatment, experience debilitating or “disabling” surgeries.  As we know, some disabilities are visible, and others are invisible.

I’ve worked in the “illness” community my entire career.  As a psychotherapist, there is work for the person diagnosed with the illness to embrace/accept their new normal.  As a coach, there are issues of patient empowerment and redefining their identity in society.  As a spiritual director, there are times to discuss how did this happen, and of course the big one, why me?

Does how we, those diagnosed with an illness, accept our diagnosis impact how others view us?  Do we have the capacity or duty to be teachers?  Like issues around race, or being queer, I don’t feel the need to be a teacher.  I do have a responsibility to live my best life within the parameters of my physical, emotional, and spiritual body.

Pity is one of the most difficult challenges to overcome.  There is something about being the recipient of pity derailing our acceptance in our communities and society.  It’s one of the reasons support groups are so successful in facing one’s diagnosis.  Being with like-minded people, we develop coping strategies and hear great responses to comments.

If confronted with these issues, what is your best coping strategy?

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