8 Words for Those Who Care
People never seem to ask when you’re ready for them. These surprise attacks can happen in waiting rooms, on elevators, or in the bleachers. “What’s wrong with your hands? Does your mother have Alzheimer’s? Why were you in the hospital?”
In response, we often stammer and say things we don’t really want to say. But, we say them enough that we begin to believe them.
So, I suggest that you write out one paragraph to explain your situation on your terms. Tell it the way you want it to be told, or at least tell it the way you hope for it to be.You have had good and bad happen. You have caused wonderful things to happen in the world, and you may have also caused some hurt feelings. You have won and been triumphant. You have reached some of your goals. You have done a lot of good stuff!
And this one thing also happened. True, it has greatly affected your life in ways you had not foreseen.
But, your story is about more than this one crisis, more than this condition, more than this moment in time.
So, think of your story in context. Not just what great things you did before, but what great things you are doing with and through and beyond these difficult circumstances.
Worth Repeating
You are more than this one story of crisis.
-Amy Poehler
