These last few weeks have been challenging and eye opening. Two weeks ago I had my first tooth abscess and it was not pleasant at all, actually it hurt. I ended up piggybacking Tylenol and Advil 24 hours a day for a solid week before the antibiotics finally kicked in. I knew my head was not in the game at work or even during day to day activities but there was nothing that I could do.
During this week, Mike and I were taking our Kinship courses and we heard many hard stories. Hearing how addictions were the major reason that children ended up in care outside of their home. Aunts, Grandparents, friends all stepping up to help because of addictions. I have never really understood addictions or the true impact it has on all around but taking that course while I was going through my pain made me see things in a different light.
By all means, I am not trying to compare my week to someone suffering through an addiction BUT it opened my eyes just a little. As I heard stories, the only feelings I had were of empathy. Not once did I have a judgemental thought, and that to me was a huge step. If we want to make a difference in the world, we need to truly empathize with someone to help.
This is what triggered last weeks poem and knowing that I do look at things differently today than before. The only thing that has made me upset during this journey.....having a swollen jaw from an abscess when it should have been from sparring (I am working to keep those guards up).
See you at the Kwoon!
Swelling from sparring would not be a good thing.
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