And I don't feel the same...

I have always been aware of the fact that everyone has their own experiences.  I am a very observant person and as a result one of my favourite activities is to watch people.  Watch what they do.  Watch how they react. Try to watch what they think.

So while I knew everyone had their own experiences, I also thought that people generally reached the same conclusions I did.  Or at least had some of the same experiences I have had.

Like when I found out that a friend who had also struggled with her weight for her whole life didn't have the same experience that I had. Wait?  It wasn't the central dynamic in your relationship with your parents?  It wasn't the most discussed and agonized thing in your life?  huh.

Like when I found out that most people I knew hadn't also tried to kill themselves.  Really?  I mean, I could buy that someone might not try to kill themselves but to have never had a thought of taking their own life?  Really?  People get through life that way?

Like when I found out that my friends who didn't have a "perfect" body had no problems managing their own sexual agency?  Really?  How is that possible?

It has been the grapling with those things over the years that has fueled a lot of my own introspection and frankly, my own growth.  There are certainly things and experiences in my life that I would have liked to change but I also know that in each of these experiences, even the most painful and soul-wrenching, there has been great opportunity for learning and growth and for that I am grateful.

 

Comments

[Jennifer Gleeson Blue]

Amanda, thank you for sharing all of this! What a courageous and loving entry.

I am often amazed at how we have many shared experiences but make different meaning from them. I think the more we share these stories, the more we can begin to construct meanings that are supportive and help us get where we want to go and be who we want to be.

[Jennifer Gleeson Blue]

Amanda, thank you for sharing all of this! What a courageous and loving entry.

I am often amazed at how we have many shared experiences but make different meaning from them. I think the more we share these stories, the more we can begin to construct meanings that are supportive and help us get where we want to go and be who we want to be.