I… WE

          Illness and Wellness.  What is the difference:  I… WE

It is no coincidence that one key difference between illness and wellness involves “I” and “we”.

Illness of any kind—physical, mental, intellectual, social—generally isolates one from the “we”—from family, friends, and community. Illness also can reduce the “I”—one’s capacity to participate in the everyday living necessary to sustain and enhance these interpersonal relationships.

Wellness, by contrast, implies the reverse: one can participate fully in everyday living and engage actively with others, and one can depend on receiving strong emotional support from others. One’s wellness can be sustained and enhanced by one’s own voice and actions—a strong “I,” and by effective social support from family, friends, and community—a strong “we.”

Source: Behavioral Healthcare Executive  https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/behavioral/blogs/ron-manderscheid/i-and-we-illness-and-wellness

REFLECTION:

  • Examine your Physical, Intellectual, Emotions/Social and Spiritual  (PIES) life. Is there any part where you are more focused on “I”?
  • How can you shift to more “WE” (fully engage in everyday living) and/or a strong “I”(own one’s voice)?
  • Take a step toward WEllness today!