We live in a society where too many people feel like outsiders. We are quick to exclude people for a myriad of reasons. What happens when someone is given an illness diagnosis? Is there a club they can join? Are there secret handshakes? What happens when we cross over the line from healthy to facing an illness?
If you look online, there are often organizations for those with specific illnesses. The organizations raise money for research and often provide educational opportunities for both patients and providers. Many organizations offer up-to-date information on advances in diseases. Social media has made connected with others facing the same future easier and in real time.
The truth is, when we cross the illness barrier, we find a new community. A community filled with individuals and families experiencing a new kind of vulnerability. Crossing the barrier shocks us physically, emotionally, and spiritually to heightened awareness. Many turn their attention to what’s possible instead of what’s inevitable.
We’re invited to a world where agency allows us to determine, consciously, how we want to live. How we want to experience our physical selves. It provides a welcome mat to exploring our beliefs, hopes and dreams.
We may not want to be included in this group, but it’s not for us to say. There are times our bodies/genetics have a mind of their own and we’re just along for the ride.
Know you belong!
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Pilgrim Pathway 
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