Dooley Noted: 2/26/2014
I’ve heard it in my office.
I’ve heard it at seminars.
I’ve heard it with students.
“Doc, I’m a mess.”
People in pain or discomfort feel broken and weary, like they need to be fixed.
I call your bluff.
You are not a “mess.” You are not a pile of laundry in the corner.
You are an evolving human, adapting to your environment. And in case you forgot, you are in charge of how you perceive the world.
You are not a “mess.” You are a human being, with complex thoughts yet simple true needs to fill.
You might have pain or discomfort. But you are not a “mess” that needs to be cleaned up.
You are not a “mess” in my office. I’ve never uttered those words about myself, and I won’t tolerate you uttering them about yourself in my presence.
If you can breathe, much is going well for you.
If you can move, even more is going well.
If you have pain or discomfort, by all means get assessed and corrected.
But you are not a “mess” for someone else to clean up. Not even you.
Do good work. Tinker with what doesn’t work. Evolve to be more than you were yesterday. Find the fascination in watching yourself achieve what you never thought possible.
If you keep telling yourself you’re a “mess,” you might be willing yourself to become just that.
Your body is listening to your brain.
If you forgot how powerful you are, then it’s a new day. Take the power back by leaving behind the “mess” and owning the right to be well.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley