One of the things I have learned over my many years of life is that when we are diagnosed with a medical condition we often take on what the practitioner tells us and we become so focused on what the limitations are or the symptoms that we forget who we really are and all the things that make us a whole person.

It is important we honour our bodies and take good care of them. At the same time, it is good to remember we are more than our bodies. Our mental and emotional state require the same attention. We go through times in life when we experience deep trauma or hurt and that leaves scars just like physical wounds do. Often they can take a long time to heal. Some never fully heal we just learn to live with them and enjoy our life.

I recently found myself in a new relationship and describing to her all the things that limit me from being fully alive. I am hard of hearing, I have diabetes, I have suffered high anxiety and depression etc etc. I believed that somehow that made me more challenging to love. Her response was “that is just stuff that matters not to me.” She also shared her stuff with me and we both listened and heard each other.

As we age things change and how we do relationships change with us. Romance, though very appealing, is less important than the trust and respect of a good friend and companion who truly loves you warts and all and doesn’t care about all the limitations. Being able to laugh with and share our funny stories is what really matters. That is how love expresses itself in all the best ways.

Being mindful and considerate of what conditions we live with is important. It informs how we move through life. Knowing the challenges our companion is living with helps us be considerate and compassionate. By the time we reach this stage in our lives there is no room for pettiness and hiding the truth. The truth is what sets us free.

We are whole beings. Some say we are Spirits having a human experience. Whatever that may mean to each of us we are not our diagnoses. We are people first and our hearts and minds are there to help us navigate all the many obstacles that may be presented so we can love and live as fully as possible in the time we have here and now.