I read my friend’s brave and beautiful article and poem elephantjournal.com/…/a-poem-for-those-who-love-someone-with-mental-illness more then once. Each time I was rattled only by this one line ” I wish I was born different, but this is how it is.”
What if this is not the right story we tell when we plea to be heard? I asked my friend if it is possible that being born the way she was is her gift to the world, to give and take in relationships more authentically because of her struggles. Would there be a struggle if it wasn’t about the acceptance we need from others?
I have observed as a Behavioral and Mental Health Practitioner in our broken health care system long enough to know that those of us that are diagnosed with a mental illness are the ones that are the soul saviors, the ones that understand and can bring empathy. Being in a constant battle and drawn out war with our own minds – a magnificent bond is formed. Reflections are pondered. Solutions are rendered. A knowing of who we are and who we are not is clear. A clarity that is not shared by all so we question our truth.
My wish is that we all wish we were born exactly as we were and to shine whatever light we got.
Peace.
https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/08/a-poem-for-those-who-love-someone-with-mental-illness/
https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/08/a-poem-for-those-who-love-someone-with-mental-illness/
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