Dooley Noted: 9/29/2015
This weekend, I had the honor of lead instructing a NeuroKinetic Therapy Level II seminar in our own House of Gain, Catalyst SPORT.
I met brilliant and articulate trainers, Pilates instructors, and therapists of all types.
They came from around the world to learn the technique, putting their brave hearts and minds forward to take themselves to the next level of understanding.
When you’re surrounded by such inspirational people, sometimes you can forget the struggles they endure.
I have recently been distraught.
Being distraught does not mean wallowing in your own problems all the time.
People pick themselves up and move forward in their days.
After all, the world doesn’t stop spinning because you are distraught.
I was reminded of this over a chat with two of the seminar attendees – when they told me they had both overcome their battles with cancer.
These healthy, vibrant people endured one of the greatest life struggles.
I would never have known had they not told me.
Just because people are happy and upbeat, it doesn’t mean they don’t struggle.
I awoke this morning to distraught feelings. I laid in bed, feeling I was sinking. So, I put myself to work.
While working, I accidentally stumbled across my eighth grade yearbook.
I laughed and thought I’d indulge in a moment of memories.
I stumbled across this picture.
That’s Matt Cook and me, the two voted Most Likely to Succeed.
We had a friendly academic competition in junior high.
Our freshman year, Matt became distraught. It was multifactorial and, unfortunately, all-encompassing.
We lost him to suicide.
As I look at this picture, I remember seeing him in the halls, waving to him – just a few days before he died.
He was distraught. I didn’t know.
I think of how he could be practicing in the room beside me. After all, he was lifting weights and cutting out sodas back then, when I was still a junk food junkie.
I think of how he could be teaching beside me at one of the med schools.
More importantly, I am reminded to not let being distraught become all-encompassing.
Seek help.
Seek guidance.
Being distraught is a feeling that will change if you let it.
It may not be quick.
You are not alone.
There are distraught people reading this that are posting nothing but happy-go-lucky things on Facebook.
So, for those trying to turn it around, know you aren’t alone.
I’m doing this for you.
I’m doing this for Matt.
I’m doing this for myself.
You will overcome.
You will endure.
And if it’s getting too tough, seek some guidance.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
