Out of Sorts

 August 18

 “Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” FYODOR MIKHAYLOVICH DOSTOYEVSKY 

You’ve been housebound and alone for two days now. Your husband is involved in a tennis tournament, and his friends have called repeatedly for information about the event. You have been less than friendly, if truth be told. 

Because your illness prevents you from participating in certain activities that were once a big part of your life together, you sometimes feel sorry for yourself. You used to play tennis too, and now you feel left out, not to mention resentful and jealous.

 It’s normal for chronically ill people to have such feelings. If given free rein, however, strong negative emotions such as self-pity, resentment, and jealousy can cause physical harm, and also severely strain intimate relationships. 

The starting point for resolution is open and honest communication. It may be necessary for you to clarify your needs, and for your partner or spouse to do the same. By putting pride aside and telling each other with sensitivity exactly how you each feel, you will be able to achieve better understanding, mutual accommodation, and renewed closeness. 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 Have I let it be known why I’m out of sorts?

Dorian, J.S.. Above and Beyond: 365 Meditations for Transcending Chronic Pain and Illness (pp. 237-238). Central Recovery Press, LLC. Kindle Edition.