Over the past two months, my life has taken an unexpected turn resulting in five weeks in the hospital, eight surgeries (there were complications), and, now, an extended period of rehabilitation at home. I’m on a healing path and feeling stronger every week. Still, the path has many miles left to go. Recently I’ve been reflecting on what this ordeal is teaching me, and the first, and most profound, of those lessons is this:
The healing power of loving, caring relationships.
I cannot overstate the impact and importance of every visit, card, call, email, text, and good thoughts that I received. There was no small gesture. Every expression lifted my spirit and bolstered my courage. There’s simply no way to fully express the gratitude I feel for this support.
Investing time and energy in quality relationships brings delight to our days and carries us through our difficulties.
In my experience, forgiveness opens the door to deeper relationships. Self-forgiveness allows me to be myself and frees me to reconcile any hurts I may have inflicted. Further, recognizing that everyone acts out of their own experience (e.g., joy, suffering) allows me to not take perceived slights or offenses personally and to share more of myself with others.
Building relationships is a long-term effort, and each day presents its own opportunities, joys, and challenges. For me…today…I’m overflowing with gratitude for the people in my life, and that’s a humbling and marvelous place to be. Thank you.
Quote
The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. Hubert H. Humphrey
Web
In her new book, Wired to Connect, psychiatrist Amy Banks encourages us to spend more time developing relationships. Here’s a review and commentary on the book (read now)
I cannot overstate the impact and importance of every visit, card, call, email, text, and good thoughts that I received. There was no small gesture. Every expression lifted my spirit and bolstered my courage. There’s simply no way to fully express the gratitude I feel for this support.
Investing time and energy in quality relationships brings delight to our days and carries us through our difficulties.
In my experience, forgiveness opens the door to deeper relationships. Self-forgiveness allows me to be myself and frees me to reconcile any hurts I may have inflicted. Further, recognizing that everyone acts out of their own experience (e.g., joy, suffering) allows me to not take perceived slights or offenses personally and to share more of myself with others.
Building relationships is a long-term effort, and each day presents its own opportunities, joys, and challenges. For me…today…I’m overflowing with gratitude for the people in my life, and that’s a humbling and marvelous place to be. Thank you.
Quote
The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. Hubert H. Humphrey
Web
In her new book, Wired to Connect, psychiatrist Amy Banks encourages us to spend more time developing relationships. Here’s a review and commentary on the book (read now)
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