How would you respond if I asked, “Who are you?” While the question may seem simple, it can also be a deceiving and complex one. You would of course answer to the best of your ability, the same as I would, but if for argument sake what if I also offered “what ifs.”
For instance, if you gave me your name, I would say something like, “If I found someone with the same name, would they be you?” Likewise, if someone described a personality trait, culture, or religion, my answer would be the same as before: “If I found someone with the same _____, would they be you?”
Confused yet?
After you’ve gone back-and-forth a couple of time, you might realised that the answer depends on several factors, including understanding who is asking and answering the question. Ultimately, you are who the other is not. In every interaction and conversation, who you are changes based on what you do or don’t see.
Living with Muscular Dystrophy or any other form of disability our life changes, so does our definitions of who we are and what we can do. Any experiences you/we have you begun to recognise that they will either be a big impact or no impact whatsoever. what you don’t see in an interaction doesn’t always represents you and how you see yourself, Growing up, we have different perceptions of ourselves. I know I did being able to do what I might not now, did I see myself as being exactly where I am today? No, but that doesn’t mean I’m unhappy.
Like trying to understand the meaning and purpose of life. You can get so wrapped up in trying to make sense of what it truly means. I know and understand this. ‘life and death’ are opposites. Therefore, to live (forever) means not to die. However, death is inevitable. Consequently, it becomes essential to re-evaluate the meaning of life and living forever. At the same time, it is fundamental to accept the outcome of death.
Life can sometimes be very complicated and I think as humans we can overthink and overcomplicate just what the meaning of life is the same as trying to understand it.
Since my diagnosis at 24, now being 42 it’s been a rollercoaster of different definitions of who I and how muscular dystrophy has shaped me. I have over the year learnt to be more pragmatic in accepting myself and my purpose in life. As I recognise my weaknesses and their effects on my current and future plans, I change and adapt.
Adapting to change is part of life no matter who we are.
So. Who are you…… How many different definitions of yourself has there been?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you think the meaning of life? what does it mean to you? – Feel free to leave me a comment
Kisses K
Until next time you can catch me ‘My life, Kerry’s way’ every Wednesdays at 9.30 a.m. As I ponder my life living with Muscular Dystrophy.
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Kerry Thompson - My Life, Kerry's Way. 