What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?

Getting a diagnosis of a chronic illness, or even experiencing an injury that fundamentally alters your life’s path, can be absolutely devastating. The initial shock, the grief, the fear – these are powerful emotions that are unlikely to remain static. Your feelings today are not what they were yesterday, and they will almost certainly evolve in the months and years to come.

My first piece of advice is simple: take things day by day.

It takes time to process such a monumental shift. For me, it took five years to truly begin resetting my way of thinking. I had once made plans to move far away, back to a place I’d lived before, but that location was distant from my family and my vital support system. My career aspirations also underwent a radical transformation. As I came to terms with the possibility that I might never drive again, I began researching careers that significantly reduced the need for me to be driven frequently.

This journey is one of constant development. It’s about gently letting go of who you used to be, and with it, all your original plans and expectations. This isn’t an ending; it’s a powerful shift. “This is who I am now,” I tell myself, “and I am okay with it.”

It will indeed be a long journey, filled with days that are better than others. And it’s perfectly okay to not be okay! Feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even anger are normal.

There will be things you once enjoyed doing that you can no longer participate in, and it is right and healthy to mourn those losses. But remember, you are still that same great person. Your contributions to the world may simply take a different form. You can absolutely still be a dignified, social, and beautiful person, despite an illness.

In the context of these feelings, achieving harmony refers to a state of inner peace and balance that can exist despite challenging external circumstances or waves of negative emotions. I admit, this is far easier said than done.

It’s about cultivating an equilibrium within yourself, where diverse emotions, thoughts, and experiences can coexist without spiraling into internal conflict or distress. This often involves practicing positive self-talk, leaning into your core beliefs, and grounding yourself with the support of friends and family to maintain a stable emotional state.

For the sake of this inner harmony, I am actively working to let go of my expectations of perfection for my future. I encourage you to join me on this journey.

How would you answer the question above? Let me know in the comments.