The writer reflects on their inability to cry despite feeling a range of emotions. They explore emotional suppression, alexithymia, medication effects, trauma, and cultural conditioning as possible reasons. Drawing parallels with the concept of the “eightfold fence,” they recognize their emotional boundaries and express a desire for self-reflection and emotional release.
Category Archives: LIFE
Giving Tuesday: How Volunteering Has Shaped My Life
Giving Tuesday, established in 2012, is a global day for generosity, occurring after Thanksgiving, to encourage support for meaningful causes. This movement fosters community involvement and philanthropy. The author shares personal experiences of receiving aid after injury, emphasizing the fulfillment found in giving back and the profound impact of collective generosity on individual lives.
Barbed Wire Sickness and the Psychology of Disability
Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” highlights his pioneering concept of Logotherapy, emphasizing the human pursuit of purpose even amidst suffering. The book draws parallels between “barbed wire sickness,” linked to wartime trauma, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities, illustrating how isolation affects mental health and underscoring the resilience derived from meaning.
The Hedonic Treadmill
Happiness is often fleeting, with individuals returning to a baseline emotional state regardless of life events, a concept called the hedonic treadmill. Studies show that both joyous milestones and significant setbacks lead to temporary emotional spikes, underlining our resilience. Embracing gratitude and meaningful experiences can enhance lasting well-being.
The ADA Turns 35
The 35th anniversary of the ADA highlights its role in prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access. Personal experiences reveal how accessibility shapes independence, emphasizing that disability can affect anyone. The need for inclusivity extends beyond disabled individuals, benefiting everyone, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to advance these rights.
Empathy Is Not Weakness
The discussion surrounding the possibility of a cure for spinal cord injury raises complex emotions. While physical restoration is appealing, personal growth and newfound empathy gained from suffering are invaluable. Compassion is redefined as strength, as the author advocates for supporting vulnerable individuals despite societal narratives that dismiss such care as weakness or burden.
Navigating Life’s Challenges: Disability and Burnout
Living with a disability involves significant adaptation, facing daily challenges that can lead to burnout. Chronic pain and the emotional strain of self-advocacy contribute to this issue, affecting not only individuals but also caregivers. Acknowledging limits, seeking help, and promoting open discussions are crucial for recovery and well-being.
Alive-versary Year 7
The text reflects on the author’s seven-year journey post-spinal cord injury, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges faced, including surgery and adaptations to paralysis. As they turn 30, they express gratitude for life, a supportive community, and a newfound purpose in philanthropy, emphasizing personal growth and resilience despite adversity.
2022 in Review
Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone can do a little reflecting on 2022 as we move into 2023. I feel like the last three years were a sort of fever dream. Things got really weird when Covid hit the world stage and the years have blurred since then. I made a lot of changesContinueContinue reading “2022 in Review”
Home for the Holidays
The author reflects on their evolving experiences celebrating Christmas from 2013 to 2019. After joining the Army, they appreciated holidays with family, even while facing challenges like hospitalization in 2017. By 2019, they enjoyed a joyful Christmas surrounded by loved ones, illustrating personal growth and resilience amid life’s changes.