Quantum Leaping

Recently, one of my close friends described his intentions for the New Year as a "quantum leap forward". On closer questioning, which as his friend I had the moral obligation to pursue, I wanted to know what he meant. Exactly how big a leap were we talking about? He replied that his plans were so big that any attempt to define the scope of his "reinvention" of himself would fall miserably short. That was my cue to back off and keep my skepticism to myself.

I really love January. As a physician, that is. In the primary care business we see lots of flu, colds, and asthma, as well as the usual potpourri of problems. The approach that works best in the treatment of acute illness is what I call "outside- in" healing. What occurs when healing flows in this direction is the doctor doing his stuff to someone, or for someone. And, in the urgent care setting, this is what is called for. No problem.

But there is something magical that happens at the beginning of each year which falls into the area of "inside - out" healing. This type of healing flow comes from within the patient, and certainly does fall into the category of resolutions, affirmations, promises, and the like. A certain percentage of my patients will be prepared to take action, to make their own quantum leap, in an attempt to deal with overweight, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol problems, chronic pain, depression, etc..

Actually, only a few of them are really prepared. For most of them it is a true act of courage simply to mention that they would like to "get better" in some way. If the doctor is not listening carefully , the request may be missed, because what people say about how they are doing is an entirely different conversation from what they are thinking or hoping. Sometimes their request sounds like a deep breath being taken when I ask them, "Anything you want to talk about ?" If I don’t intrude right in with a "What was that?", a time for magic and miracles may have been missed.

I am privileged to have worked with many "miracle producers" in the To Life! program. Rather than give you my formula, I thought I would ask one of them a few questions about her success.

Dr.: You have lost close to two hundred pounds, your diabetes and heart problems have disappeared. I remember that you began to turn things around for yourself at this time of year, several years ago. How did you get started?

Margaret: I was looking for a long term solution. I knew that I needed lifestyle changes that were realistic. With your coaching I began to see myself as a person who could be successful. It had taken a lot of my energy to be sick. When I took responsibility for my wellness, I began to focus my energy on getting well.

Dr.: What did you learn about yourself that was helpful?

Margaret: I learned that the key to my health was inside of me. The solution was not external. I saw that I could bring about changes in my life just because I said so. I finally realized what a powerful person I was.

Dr.: What made this time different for you?

Margaret: I learned a lot about nutrition, exercise, and how my mind and body work together. Then I combined that information with new feelings I was beginning to have…a new sense of hopefulness, power, and self-esteem. I was empowered to open my mind and my heart, to move out of my comfort zone, to take a risk, and finally to produce great results. A great support system was crucial to my success. Being in an organized, long term program made a big difference. So was asking for my family’s support.

Dr.: Did that feel risky?

Margaret: Yes. The biggest risk for me was giving myself permission to put myself first. I had been taught that the greatest joy in life comes from giving to others. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was using "doing things"for my family as a justification for my own inaction. In fact, by not taking care of myself, by not using the power available to me that came from taking care of my mind and my body, I was not doing a good job in many areas.

Dr.: Do you have a special resolution for the New Year?

Margaret: Actually, I’ve learned to make declarations and speak affirmations every day, many times a day. What I’ve discovered in the process of healing myself from within is that I have to be both relentless and compassionate with myself. If I need support I ask for it. I now know that although taking risks is scary for me, not taking care of myself is even more frightening.

This is resolution time. It’s also leap year. For real. The opportunity exists, more than any other time of the year, to begin anew and move forward in the area of being well. Leap towards wellness! To Life!
 

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