Man, shared experiences are powerful. It is one thing to emphasize with a friend’s journey through a trial, and it is quite another to undergo the same trial yourself, knowing that others have gone through it and come out stronger.
This is the current situation regarding my younger sister whom was recently hospitalized with anorexia nervosa. She weighed in at a mere 72 lbs at 12 years old and is now undergoing extensive treatment. My heart breaks for her as she is the sweetest kid and one of my favorite people on the planet. Nothing I said to her would quite register with her, however, the same way that one of my buddies at the gym could. See, he was hospitalized from ages 13-14 with the same diagnosis. The two chatted (along with me and my mother) on a FaceTime call like they were the oldest of friends. This buddy was able to speak some truth and life into Sis and encourage her that she can still be healthy while not depriving her body of essential nutrients. Though she is currently hooked up to an IV, her brain is starting to understand what my guy was saying a little more clearly. We thankfully now have some breakthrough…
Ron Rivera, the head coach of The Washington Football Team, famously had a quote above his desk stating (paraphrasing), “Don’t draw me a trail map, unless you’ve been there…”. Whether it be chemotherapy or entering the Marines Corps or something as seemingly mundane as learning to cook for yourself or plant a garden; we trust those whom have endured and gained extensive knowledge and experience in that arena.
For me personally, if I am going through a challenging season, I tune into men like Jocko Willink, David Goggins, and Ryan Michler (all via iPhone podcasts) whom have traversed many difficult stages themselves and paint their perspectives in a straightforward and invigorating light. But on a smaller scale, I also look for scenario-specific friends to see if what they did was successful/unsuccessful. As a 6th trimester student at Palmer, I will be entering the student clinic next trimester. This is crazy exciting, but learning how to balance that and classes in a systematic schedule is well-worth a 5 minute convo with my friends a trimester above.
The same is true for chiropractic care, as well. We hear all the time in school that “common doesn’t equal normal.” Some people have experienced years and years of pain and infections that they have just come to accept as their norm. “Well, I guess this (various body part) pain is just part of getting older…”. Was that you at any point? I know that for our family, my wife wasn’t even aware of much of her posterior chain musculature not “turning on,” until she walked into Dr. Gina’s practice. The results have been life changing not only for her everyday life, but also for her performance in the gym, etc. But we don’t know what we don’t know, right?
Perhaps you have a family member or neighbor who’s child complains of earaches or bed-wetting or a host of other underlying issues that you KNOW is taking away from his/her optimal health. In fact, you know exactly whom can make a difference in this kid’s life! Sharing your testimony will go above and beyond what any Google review could when you speak about what Dr. Gina and Health 1st have done for you.
After reading this, I’m sure each one of us can think of at least one person whom could use some encouragement today. Whether it be a friend who’s kid is also headed off to college or who simply “must go” see Dr. Gina, take that step! Recall your mental headspace when the new and unknown was daunting and a little unnerving. Encourage him/her with truth and share how your experiences have molded you into a better version of yourself.
Until next time,
-Brock Baumgarn CA, Nutrition Consultant, Health 1st Chiropractic