Every now and then I see articles about how to live longer. They often list the same standard things they've been saying for decades . . . regular exercise, healthy diet, plenty of sleep, etc, etc, etc. Yes, yes, by now we know all these things.
But I recently read (I feel like I say that a lot, "I recently read . . . ") an article that listed several tips I've never read before in such lists, like "cultivate curiosity," "consider taking cold showers" (um, no, not doing that!), and "connect to your purpose."
That last tip intrigued me.
"Connect to your purpose."
Serena Poon, a Los Angeles nutritionist and longevity wellness expert, was quoted by the article's author (Melissa Rudy) as saying:
"Studies have shown that having a sense of purpose in life results in better cognitive function and longevity. Finding purpose might mean taking up a hobby or learning a new complex skill, like playing an instrument or learning a new language. There's a transformative power that arises when you're aligned with your passions, when you sense that your actions are making a positive impact on the world, or when you feel a profound sense of purpose in your life.
These connections infuse you with a distinct vitality." (Italics added.)
I know, intimately, that when we're in a UC or Crohn's flare, having a sense of purpose doesn't even make the list of what's going on with us. Our "passion" is trying to make it to the toilet before making a spectacular, poopy mess on the floor. Our main purpose is trying to keep food inside our bodies long enough to provide some form of nutrition.
Anything else? We might as well be reaching for Jupiter. Out of fatigue, hopelessness, or relentless pain, our focus is inward. We barely acknowledge anything outside of that.
Nevertheless . . .
We need to find something. For some people, it's their children. But children grow up and leave the nest, which is how it's supposed to be. For some, their passion is their job. But job descriptions change, bosses transfer, we retire. We need something else.
To me, the words "connect to your purpose" means more than finding a purpose or passion. To me it means figuring out where, and how, I connect, no matter my circumstances. I'm in a flare? How can I connect when moving my fingers to text is about the only movement I can do in the moment? In remission? How can I connect while feeling good, but needing to keep up with all the things I need to stay on top of in case I go into another flare?
I don't know how to connect when drowning in a flare. It's something I've promised myself I will desperately try to figure out when/if I get really bad again.
But in remission . . . I'm still not sure I'm there. I'm probably closer than I've ever been. So how do I connect to my purpose, now?
Well, I'm doing one of those connections right now. I'm writing. Writing very much helps me feel connected to two purposes; all of you out there, and helping my brain and emotions work through things.
I like Lego. (And the proper language is Lego in the singular, not the plural.) It is not a passion, but I like it a lot; the sorting and figuring, the searching, the finding, the sound of that wonderful "click" as two pieces go together. And of course, the satisfaction of a finished set. I like designing sets, too.
Strangely, since I was diagnosed, I enjoy organizing things more. A sense of order brings great peace to me.
Speaking of peace, I love my God and my church. I am sorry if this offends, but it is a big part of my "connection" arsenal. I would have never survived my initial severe symptoms before my diagnosis without them.
My family, of course. They have always been a part of me. But maybe I can figure out how to connect better with them than I do, especially my grandkids.
Helping others, especially when you are hurting, is a great way to connect.
There are so many other "little" things that I have come to realize are part of helping me "connect to my purpose."
But even then, there are times when I don't feel connected. That is when darkness and discouragement descends.
Maybe I should look at myself as a Lego. I can connect to thousands of different bricks, become something, and help other bricks become something, too!
Last month's post was about not being alone. Or in other words, connecting to other people. This month's post is about connecting to something greater than ourselves, in a personal, purposeful way.
AT&T just started a new ad campaign. Its theme? "Connecting changes everything."
I don't know whether it changes everything or not, but it definitely helps!
© Colitis Senioritis 2024
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