Reclaim your health. I didn’t realise I had lost it, so reclaiming my health was not even on my list, my radar. Despite the fatalistic belief that our destiny is unchangeable, I’ve understood that our actions shape our future. Even if it’s predetermined that I’ll step in front of a bus, my resilience in the face of this fate is a testament to the power of human agency.
These same people would have you believe that my health journey has been nothing but a journey and that I would always be a borderline casualty of some medical condition but survive. This journey and my books occurred because they would always be part of my life, and what I did to improve my health, what I recorded as part of my daily journal, and what I posted on social media would influence some, but not others.
If the health struggles that led to me becoming an author were always part of my destiny, then I guess the dissociative amnesia that has helped keep me on somewhat of an even keel for the last sixty years was also.
Over the past several years, I experienced nightmares piecing together fragmented memories, which were confusing and very distressing as my mind attempted to process and integrate previously suppressed memories that led me to believe I had been sexually abused as a young boy.
With the help of a psychologist and a treatment called Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), a treatment used for people living with PTSD, I began to fill in the missing pieces of being sexually abused by a number of men.
My book “Life is a Gift Health is a Choice” is a narrative of my journey and a guide to reclaiming health. It’s a testament to the power of self-examination and the courage to confront suppressed memories. It’s a source of empowerment for those struggling with similar challenges.
As I approach the finish line of my third book in this series and a process of extensive self-examination, I can see with outstanding clarity and understanding that my past has prepared me for my future, and my purpose has become my passion for helping others reclaim both their physical and mental health.
Understanding mental health empowers us to take control of our overall well-being, profoundly influencing how we think, act, and interact daily. As we prioritise physical fitness and nutrition, we must equally invest in our psychological and emotional wellness. We must recognise that mental health is not merely the absence of disorders but a dynamic state of well-being that enables us to cope with life’s challenges, realise our abilities, and contribute meaningfully to our communities.
By nurturing our mental health, we unlock numerous benefits beyond emotional stability. Good mental health enhances productivity, improves relationships, increases self-esteem, and positively impacts physical health. Research demonstrates that mental well-being is linked to improved learning, creativity, and social connections and can increase life expectancy. Moreover, self-care, stress management, and seeking support cannot be overstated. These practices can reduce anxiety, increase happiness, and help us build resilience in facing life’s complexities.
In my next Post, I will cover ” Retrain Your Mind.”
