I remember when I was in my teens, it seemed that everybody was telling me what to do and who to be.
Do you remember those days?
As I was living it, I wasn’t totally conscious that the “socialization process,” while of course necessary, took its toll on my “self-identity.”
It’s no wonder that so many people need some time to “find themselves.”
We’re told what to wear, where to go, and with whom, and our cultural “tastes” are dictated by the “powers that be” in pursuit of the almighty dollar.
So it’s tough enough to “find yourself” under the best of circumstances.
When you have the additional “ingredient” of Polycystic Kidney Disease,” it’s that much harder to know “who you are.” At some point, much of your life, and by extension, your “sense of self,” will be dictated by your disease.
It seems to me that most of us would benefit by “stepping into the quiet.”
I’m talking about those times when your mind quiets down from all the noise, external and internal.
Now, it’s easy to literally turn off the “external noise.”
It’s not so easy to turn off the “internal noise.”
But it certainly can decrease.
Being in the quiet, over time, can allow you to remember who you are. To reconnect with the “you” who may have been lost in the noise of the culture, and the very real concerns and worries about life with PKD.
Taking time for quiet reflection and journaling are great ways to step into the quiet, and I highly recommend those practices.
Yet, for many PKD patients, solitary reflection may not be enough. All too often you may be “caught” in a cycle of thoughts and feelings which are not helpful.
How many times have you heard people giving the advice,” Don’t dwell on the negative things.”
Easier said than done when you’re caught up in negative feelings like fear, worry, loneliness, and being misunderstood by people close to you.
Sometimes it takes another person to help you “put things in proper perspective.” someone who will have you gently consider other perspectives on your situation.
Imagine a quiet conversation where you are allowed to be who you are, and can express your fears, worries, and other troubling thoughts, to someone who will listen and accept you and your expressions of feelings that all to often aren’t allowed to be expressed.
As your Life Coach, not only will I listen, but I will quietly ask you if there might be other ways of thinking about your situation.
In other words, offering you a different “spin” on how you view your life situation.
You may come out of such a conversation with a brand new “sense of self” that is more aligned with the “real you!”
Many great realizations and “AHA!” experiences occur “int he quiet.”
I’ve had many!
Could it be that you can “find yourself”…in the “quiet?”
If you feel a bit “lost” in the noise, let me invite you to “step into the quiet!”
info@innergameofpkd.com is my e-mail.
Feel free to contact me about how “stepping into the quiet” can help you remember who you really are.
I wish you
Peace and Quiet!
Coach Richie Perl
Certified Professional Coach
Certified Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
