DUAL CITIZENS
Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017
We can take a trip without a plan.
We can live a life without a plan.
Even with a great plan – a long, complicated, nuanced and sound plan – what degree of control do we really have over outcomes? We say ‘lots’, but do we really?
Life is neither black of white.
Nor is health.
Death is pretty black.
Life is many shades. Of every vibrant colour.
“Illness is the night side of life, a more onerous citizenship. Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify our citizenship of that other place.” – Susan Sontag
Some people are fatalistic, feeling they have very little control over their lives, their health or whatever happens next. I’m on the other end of that spectrum – I believe I have enormous influence on what happens.
When we are well, these statements and those great dinner party conversations they inspire are interesting.
However, when we aren’t well or aren’t young – the picture ain’t so rosy.
Whatever happens, happens.
Do you believe that?
We have more control over our life, our health outcomes and our happiness than many people think – and while there might be statistics about our facts, the issue of attitude is incredibly important. I think it is. I try to live my days in that belief. I’m staying in the kingdom of the well. Well. Well … that’s my plan.
Live long.
Live well.
Nothing else matters much if we don’t.
