Falling on My Face

I hope 2008 is going well for you! I started my year off in silent reflection --- not because I wanted to be quiet. Due to stitches in my chin, I was actually under doctor’s orders not to speak. (I tripped over a wire in a parking lot, landed on my face, and had to go to the emergency room for stitches.) So I rested last week and did not talk at all.

What an experience! I had to sit and be still. And I was reminded that being very still --- being very quiet --- is very therapeutic. In my forced solitude, I gained a much deeper gratitude for my life. I gained a new sense of appreciation for my health, my friends and family, and for my work.

Last week, I did my best to think about the many blessings in my life instead of focusing on the big abrasion on my face. I even tried to be grateful for what the experience of falling had given to me. It gave me some much needed rest and relaxation. It also enabled me to reconnect with an old friend who worked in the emergency room where I went for help.

Throughout my recovery from my eating disorder, I did my best to focus on my blessings as well. I was not always successful at doing this. I threw one too many pity parties for myself back then. “Why me?” I asked.

“Why not me?” I realized. 

We all face struggles. Some of us battle eating disorders. Some of us suffer with depression. Some of us fall on our faces! The important thing is that we take away something from each experience that helps us to grow and flourish as a human being. We can connect with peace and gratitude even in the worst of times.

I hope that you find serenity in the New Year. I just hope that you don’t have to fall on your face to get it! 

Best,

Jenni

Comments

[Laura Collins]

As always, Jenni, you nail an important concept with the right analogy. Thank you!

[emmy.]

i can't believe you said that. i tell everyone else the same thing. i never pity myself for having an eating disorder. everyone has battles they must fight in their lives. if it's not an eating disorder, it's other hardships; other diseases. and i was only given this battle because the universe knows i can handle it. that's how we roll ;)