Skimming my surface
tell-tale signs of suffering
The pain buried deep
My haiku was inspired by Carolyn Thomas’ Post-Traumatic Growth: how a crisis makes life better – or not. Carolyn had a myocardial infarction – the “widowmaker” heart attack. Since that life altering experience she has been overwhelmingly affected by the ongoing pain of coronary microvascular disease.
Mask by moi
Until I read Carolyn’s excellent post I had never heard of Post Traumatic GROWTH:
“Post-Traumatic Growth is the experience of positive change that occurs as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life crises.
“Although the term is new, the idea that great good can come from great suffering is ancient.”
“Reports of Post-Traumatic Growth have been found in people who have experienced bereavement, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV infection, cancer, bone marrow transplantation, heart attacks, coping with the medical problems of children, transportation accidents, house fires, sexual assault and sexual abuse, combat, refugee experiences, and being taken hostage.”Read this informative and thought-provoking post and Carolyn’s concern for patients & people regarding this concept. Click HERE
CURIOUS to the MAX 
Great mask. And your haiku is insightful.
LikeLike
This is poignant!
LikeLike
I’ve never heard of that though it makes sense. After I came to terms with my RA (and chronic headaches), I did feel empowered, maybe focused. It didn’t set me back as much as change my goals.
LikeLike
Jacqui,
I think your statement about not being set back but being redirected is a good response to all life-altering conditions and events.
LikeLike
I’ve noticed with some of my friends who have been through a traumatic divorce that quite soon they experience Post Traumatic Growth.
LikeLike
Suchled,
Nice observation. I suspect that divorce is a growth experience for most adults, the children not so much (research shows long term impact on children of divorce when adults)
LikeLike
Thanks for this Judy.. ,A great contribution as ever..
RS:)
LikeLike
Ramesh, Thank you!
Good to hear from you.
P.S. I’ve been re-editing Elph and Ant trying to fit it into a standard book format.
LikeLike
You are a speedy haiku poet, Judy-Judith! Thanks so much for linking to my Post-Traumatic Growth post. Now I can’t get that medicinal ice cream of yours out of my mind… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carolyn,
You were my muse with this haiku! Just had one bowl of medicinal ice-cream. If the first dose doesn’t work I will have to increase it to two.
LikeLike
It’s always important to titrate your drugs to make sure you have the dosage right.
LikeLiked by 1 person