Accepting the “uncomfortable”

What does it mean to have "courage" to accept things we cannot control? Perhaps it's allowing the "uncomfortable" to be there, without dismissing, rejecting or pushing the feelings away, but rather acknowledging and noticing. Not to suggest we remain in situations that are damaging, but to change our relationship with things that are tough.

I have plantar fasciitis in my foot, which makes it quite painful to walk. It's been building up for the past 12 months but I didn't know why my foot was sore until about 4 months ago when it was diagnosed. I've been having regular treatment and trying to do all that I can to help it - and it is slowly improving, but it's still very limiting and painful.

I've found this hard to cope with in many ways, but especially that it's significantly reduced the amount and type of activity and exercise I can do. As a very active person, this has left me feeling flat, frustrated and worried it will always be painful. I've had to remind myself that I am doing trying to do what I can to support it's healing, and that I have to be patient and adjust to what I am able to do here and now. Getting annoyed with it or thinking about my sore foot all the time isn't going to miraculously make it get better. So when I feel the despondency sweep over me again, I try to notice the feeling as "there's that familiar feeling again", acknowledge to myself that "it's how I feel right now", and take a deep "out breath", then allow the feeling or thought to pass as I try to focus my energies on what I can do, or what I can control. This is helping me to deal with my frustration and worry - as well as the occasional foot rub of course! Nothing like a bit of comfort from those we love. Like Dexter coming across to connect with Caspian in this video - having a safe "other" also can also be enormously supporting to accepting our life's challenges.

- Michelle

Caspian shows us how to have courage when things are uncomfortable.