Tip #59 Wise Words Wednesday; Charlotte's Cup

     I am a huge fan of the Bronte sisters. Not only do I like their work - Jane Eyre is still one of my favourite books - but I like what I have learned about them as people too. Emily, Jane, and Charlotte Bronte were incredible women and three of the most famous female authors of our time. Today's quote is from Charlotte:

Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs.

-Charlotte Bronte

     The process of recovery can be difficult at the best of times, and can be most frustrating when politics make it difficult to get you or a loved one the care they need. People get scared, worried, and/or frustrated about politics but also about limitations, and complications that arise in the recovery process. But I agree with Charlotte; Life is short - and I'd rather be a glass half full person. It doesn't always work that way, but, I do think we have a choice in looking at that glass and decide it's not half empty. On that note, here a few things about the sisters that I find inspiring in general, and that I believe transfer to the world of recovery as well.

1. They overcame much in life, and enriched our lives in doing so. Sad circumstances such as the death of their parents at an early age, terrible boarding schools, etc. were woven in to their beautiful stories. They used the "ickyness" to move forward in life. Hmmm, recovery is often icky.... 
2. They supported and encouraged one another. Since their books are still mandatory reading in our schools today, I'd say that their team-work model is a successful one. For instance, Charlotte did all she could to convince Emily to publish her poetry when Emily had no plans at all to ever consider publishing it. In fact, they were all very committed to having their work published together. If we could all learn to focus on ourselves less and on each other more - well, the sisters have shown us what encouraging one another can lead to.... Imagine the possibilities!
3. They affected change from within a realm in which they were not allowed entrance. Not only did they do that, but they consequently achieved their dreams. It was nearly unheard of - and quite unseemly - to publish books if you were a female. So, they published under male names, and once they had found great success they revealed their secret. Instead of being bitter and no longer writing, they chose to pursue their dreams the only way they knew how. Their actions created a paradigm shift in how woman and their literary abilities were accepted! 

     Though I may not have chosen the Bronte's exact method of changing politics from within to achieve their goals, I do think that today we too must be creative about fighting the politics from within the health care system. Although much has changed since the Bronte's days, politics are inevitable at all times, so we must learn to deal with them, and to do so without going mad, or spilling that proverbial cup of water. If we who use the system do not speak up and speak out about both a) what is working and b) what is not, then how can we expect change to suddenly materialize? For now, lets just try to keep our minds focused on responding not reacting to the "wrongs," celebrating the "rights"with those you love and who love you, and taking the time to enjoy the victories of today, no matter how small. Life is short; try to enjoy it.
    

Happy Glass-half-full-cup'n it!