A “Comment” From a Fellow Blogger Proving Change Is Possible

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I’m certain is can be difficult to understand the passion I possess for HEALTH and the meaning it brings to my life when other people are willing to trust my words and follow a new path in life creating physical, mental and emotional BALANCE (also known as GOOD HEALTH.)

Scarlet Pen is a fellow writer. She is a very bright and articulate young lady with a driven personality. In past writings she has discussed dissatisfaction with various aspects of her health. After reading her postings, I began commenting and “gently” offering ideas about her concerns. Her responses were polite, but I could feel she was skeptical and not readily “open” to a doctor suggesting a non traditional approach. That was a GOOD THING in my mind because it showed me her sense of self value while (silently) assigning me the task to prove my credibility and the validity of my ideas. So began my mission to help this beautiful lady find a healthier path in life. The following comment is a slightly abbreviated version of what she commented on my post entitled, TAKING BACK CONTROL. I am so very proud of all her accomplishments and know in my heart this is only the beginning. I hope her comment inspires other people to recognize that change IS POSSIBLE once we are able to step back and see an alternative pathway. Creating a new MINDSET begins the journey of TAKING BACK CONTROL.

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THE COMMENT FROM SCARLET PEN:

I have been very focused on doing each of the things that you wrote about today. Unfortunately, I sit in front of a computer all day for work, but I make a point to get up throughout the day and it’s my goal to always spend lunch walking around.

Any time my doctor tries to give me medication or orders a test with inherent risks, I’m always grilling him about the reason why he thinks it’s necessary and what the alternatives are. I’ve talked him out of quite a few “necessary” tests and medication and I’ve managed a lot of conditions on my own naturally. My thyroid is the constant battle but as soon as my weight gets down, I am getting off the pills.

I gave up all sugary drinks almost a year ago and I don’t miss them at all.  We also make a point to meal plan and cook at home for every meal every day because it’s the only way that we can control what goes into our food.

My doctor reminds me that pleasure comes from our families, friends, hobbies, etc. and NOT from food.  I remember one elite athlete saying, “I don’t eat for taste, I eat for function and performance” and I thought he was nuts. Now, I agree and try to do the same.

I consider everything I eat and what it’s going to do to my body now and in the long term. It sounds like a lot of work (and it can be!), but being sick is a lot of work too and has more dire consequences than spending TV and Facebook time meal prepping instead. People often say they have no time – we all have the same 24 hours in a day, it’s a matter of how you are choosing to spend yours. You make time for what’s important to you, plain and simple.

We are always outside with our dog, pursuing our hobbies, or doing things outside the house. We go to bed early, drink tons of water, have started a garden, and only buy local, sustainable, and organic food.

Sorry for such a long comment – I’m very passionate about my new lifestyle. You have helped me a lot and hopefully if someone takes the time to read my mini-novel, I can in turn inspire them! If I can make these changes and open my mind, so can anyone.

I want people to know I am always willing to help those willing to help THEMSELVES. If you are ready to make YOUR HEALTH YOUR PRIORITY and don’t know where or how to begin, I just might be a good resource for you. But, I can’t reach out to help you if you don’t reach out to me FIRST!

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41 comments

  1. So inspirational. That’s what it’s all about – personal responsibility – joining the healthcare team instead of being a spectator. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

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    1. Your writing has helped shape my thinking as well. For this, I will always be grateful. There isn’t a person on this planet we can’t learn from. Some lessons will lead to positive experiences; some will lead to negative ones. All of them, however, will provide opportunity to shape our future lives if we are willing to open our hearts and minds to CHANGE.
      Thank you for sharing your ideas and emotions with all of us.

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      1. Always my pleasure – thank you 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  2. I agree with Nurse Kelly, this is inspirational sharing. I am another one of those you are getting through to, Dr. Jonathan. I’ve made changes and I’m making more daily, and as I go along I am discovering how very stubborn I am. Ah, self-awareness! You are my friend, after all.

    But seriously, I didn’t see that in me before I starting trying to change my health status. I thought I was agreeable, easy-going, and already pretty darn savvy about this health thing I was working out in my life. Then, truth. I’m resistant, and skeptical, and stubborn. Working on all three of these, as I seek that balance in life that you always write about. Great post! Thanks for sharing it. I definitely believe CHANGE IS POSSIBLE! 🙂

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    1. Many of us (including myself) are so reactive and defensive to change. It somehow translates into the belief of “doing things wrong” and not being in CONTROL. As a doctor, I’m expected to know almost “EVERYTHING.” Once I learned to accept the reality that (1) I don’t know everything, (2) I too make mistakes, life became much less stressful. Instead of focusing on “being right about everything,” I began focusing on LEARNING about the various approaches that produce beneficial outcomes. What is “right” for one person is “wrong” for another. Rather than attempting to make a “fixed square” world fit into a “fixed triangular shape,” it seemed smarter to start with a “pliable idea” and custom mold it to an individuals personality, character and needs. This lesson has taught me humility and helped me grow and develop as a doctor AND a person. I have found much more fun and joy in addressing people’s needs from this perspective.

      As you gain greater confidence experimenting with the various choices you make, you too will learn what works best to help you achieve your desired goals. You have come so far over our short lived wordpress relationship. You are proving everyday that CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. Wishing you only the best on your continuing journey.

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  3. What a wonderful comment, and so inspirational!

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    1. Scarlet Pen is going to help many lives. I am so thankful and humbled by her willingness to listen and confide in me. Her current path will open the doors to so many opportunities. It has become a joy to read her ongoing adventures and witness her continued success.

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  4. I have added weights to my exercise, and i credit younwith motivating me to do more. Its not that I am ever going to win some contest, but that I take responsibility to do as much as possible for my health. So its yoga, walks and 10# weights, doesn’t sound like much, but all can be done.

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    1. I vehemently disagree with you when you state, “doesn’t sound like much.” I try to share with everyone the fact that our competition (regarding one’s health) is not seen peripherally, but rather up close and personal as one looks straight ahead in the bathroom mirror. It is that person alone who measures the success or failure based on the individual and realistic goals set. Everyone doesn’t strive to have the “perfect physique” and certainly isn’t interested in investing the required time and effort to achieve these results. Most people are, however, interested in living quality lives where physical and mental impediments are few. Most people want to be healthy, energetic and capable of independent living as long as possible. If these are the type of goals you seek, it sounds like you have already chosen to accept responsibility and contribute to your own successful journey. If I am right, I’ll bet the next time you head into that bathroom, the person you see in the mirror WILL BE SMILING BACK!

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  5. Sounds like you wrote this for me. My son and his strong desire to be healthy and fit plus he likes to run marathon type runs with obstacles is finally starting to impress upon me. We had a long talk yesterday not just about my physical help although my diabetes is now out of control severely and the dr is no help. I just requested a glucose meter and have to see if my sugar is still at the 300 plus mark even fasting still. I was on insulin in the hospital and I didn’t see it bring it down. Don’t know how long it takes, but obviously I have to be the one to take control. I am pushing my mental and physical problems on the kids, when I need to take care of it myself.

    My son said t me he hates seeing the strong mom he had give up. I have. I seem to want sympathy at this point in my life. I don’t have total control because of the mental disorders, but I have given up to a point and now I need to stop this and take control back.

    He can tell me how to eat healthier, but I am resisting certain things, but they are things I shouldn’t have anyhow as a diabetic. So I will ask. What is the best starting point for a diabetic who is out of control? My chiropractor told me this long list of things not to eat and it didn’t leave much that I could. Son and I started working on my diet before the hospital and now I have thrown all that away including the weight I lost.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Wow ! Scarlet Pen sounds like a phenomenal lady and it is so wonderful that she has taken that step to change. This is such a good ‘feel good’ post. It is all about choices…. Jonathan, this is really inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. She is a remarkable lady. I admire all her efforts and commitments and her willingness to “stay the course.” This is not an easy undertaking.

      So glad your enjoyed the post. I hope many people will find that it throws them “over the edge” to commit their lives to a healthier and happier standard of living.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. That was inspiring to read! Thanks so much for sharing it, Jonathan.

    Each improvement we make is an investment in a happier and healthier future than we would otherwise face. It is so encouraging to read about someone making those changes!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I agree with you completely. Here’s to all of our ongoing efforts!!

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  9. Bravo. You are touching lives and inspiring people to make the necessary changes to live a happier and fuller life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Just as importantly, people are touching my life and helping me grow and develop as a person. In life, we throw the best of our talents into the middle of a circle and magically we’re attracted to those things in this circle we need the most. The beautiful thing is we are all contributors as well as receivers.
      Thank you as always for your kind thoughts.

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  10. Thanks for sharing this with us! Amazing, you are an inspiration and touch so many!

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    1. People have become disenfranchised with our health care system and its approach to maintaining chronic disease. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a viable alternative approach that addresses the WHOLE PERSON rather than viewing them as body parts or simply a “disease.” People deserve respect and answers; not simply prescriptions with optional refills. People are becoming more receptive to this type of thinking and health care philosophy. I’m very thankful to be able to contribute to this new health care model.
      Thank you so much for all your kind words.

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  11. Aw, thank you for your kind words about me! I really and truly value your opinion and I am so glad that we “met.”

    I have always been a “thinker.” When someone tells me something, I will react skeptically until I independently research and verify their suggestions. I can remember a time when I thought that I was doing so well because I was exercising up a storm…but I was SO stressed and you were the one who pointed out that my mental health mattered, too. I thought to myself, oh, what difference does that make, I’m losing weight and getting healthy, it doesn’t matter if I’m unhappy. But it DOES. When I actually took the time to do yoga, to meditate, to pray, I became a much more grounded person who was able to give even more to physical pursuits because my mental “gas tank” wasn’t empty anymore.

    I credit you with teaching me to enjoy the journey. Before we met, I only cared about the destination (and how damn long it was taking to reach it!). But now I can give myself credit for what I’ve accomplished to date and actually live in the moment so that I can appreciate and be grateful for my life. I will never get this time back and I will never have another chance at life. I don’t want to be going through the motions on autopilot, I want to actually be here. And now I am, because of YOU 🙂

    The hardest lesson you taught me was that alternative cancer treatments exist and have a lot of success. I remember being devastated and sitting there crying when I read your post talking about the alternatives because I had just lost my dad to traditional therapies. By that time, I already trusted you so I knew what you were saying had merit…I just wished that I had known you sooner so that you could have told me in time to help my dad. BUT since I have learned about the alternatives, I’ve bought tons of books about them and I am armed with knowledge that I hope and pray I will never have to use.

    So, thank you for being you!

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    1. Thank you for all your positivity and your endless energy. I am glad to share a part in your life and value the friendship we’ve created. Our learning is bidirectional. You have taught me a lot through your willingness to open your heart and share your emotions. My love of life and health is an ongoing “study” because it is not solely based on biochemical physiology, but a labyrinth of complexities far beyond simple logical reasoning. Being a good diagnostician or pathologist is important, but if you can’t help people to understand and provide good reason to change behavior we will continue to follow a failing DISEASE CARE model. We will continue to accurately identify health imbalances while using this information to do no more than maintain these chronic conditions for the rest of these poor people’s lives. This is simply NOT the definition of HEALTH CARE. This is why I hope people listen INTENTLY to your words and challenge conventional “wisdom.” Those brave enough to do so, will likely improve their quality of health AND LIFE. All of this becomes possible because of people like YOU!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. You are doing a great work, encouraging people to embrace a healthy and balanced lifestyle!! Rewarding and inspiring comments like Scarlet´s make a difference too! I´m happy for you both!!
    Hugs 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I tip my hat to her. She is the one that “saw the light” and became determined to achieve a life of her choosing. She is a very special lady.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. What a beautiful testimony! Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I shared this so people could see change and happiness could be used in the same sentence. It does not always have to be someone else that benefits; it can be each and every person.
      Thank you for adding your comment. It means a lot.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. What an inspirational story….for both him and you….you have helped me achieve a greater sense of well being than I had before and continue to encourage and inspire me….your a good man Dr Jonathan and we are all better for getting to share in your joy of giving…..kat

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Kat. The world we live in is a wonderful place and only gets better by the contributions ALL OF US provide.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Reblogged this on Time No Matter and commented:
    This is our wonderful blogging friend Dr. Jonathan yet inspiring another to do better for themselves….if you have never met Jonathan or read his blog, please take a minute and say hello to him…..kathy

    Liked by 1 person

  16. A simply wonderful post.
    🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  17. […] A “Comment” From a Fellow Blogger Proving Change Is Possible […]

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  18. […] A “Comment” From a Fellow Blogger Proving Change Is Possible […]

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  19. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali. Inspiring post. Keep helping others. The world needs more example setters. xo

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    1. I appreciate the “Ali” quote. The interesting thing is it’s so easy to THINK to help others. Placing those THOUGHTS into actions is just as simple if people are willing to commit a little of themselves. The act of giving is NOT a unilateral proposition. Everyone ultimately benefits from these actions.

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      1. I try to remember that before devolving into a tantrum. “What have I done lately to help lift someone’s day?”

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  20. Absolutely! It’s all serves as inspiration or motivation to change or simply continue. Knowledge is power. Please keep sharing 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It will be my pleasure. Thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. The world needs more people like you, Dr. Jonathan! Someone who is taking time out of his day (the same 24 hours that we all have) to help people and try and make a difference in this world.
    Opinions about “alternative” medicine aside (however I will not shy from the fact that I am a 100% supporter of any natural alternative to Western medicine), what you’re doing: the research, the education, the way you deliver your material, is exactly what our society needs.
    Honestly I just wanted to say thank you. I want you to know just how amazing I think you, and everything you’re doing is.
    Please don’t ever stop. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Your very kind words are heartfelt. Each of us possess a gift, talent, service, product, etc… that can benefit someone. Why would a person hold back such a wonderful attribute that can improve the world we live in. My passion just happens to be HEALTH.

      It is a blessing when we discover what our passions and purposes are in life. It creates a spark each and every day with the potential of igniting a much larger outcome then intended. I love helping people discover their own potential and watching what THEY create with it. Helping people find the confidence within themselves give them the ability for greater self empowerment. This reality is what helps people find a healthier path in life. …and so, my mission continues…

      Looking forward to reading about your ongoing adventures. Keep smiling!

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  22. Oh so awesome… And now doctor do you see why you are one of my heroes?

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    1. There is a light in each of us that adds VALUE to another. The only difference is the intensity in the brightness. The more we care, the brighter the glow. Helping each other find PASSION increases this intensity benefiting all those who share in it.

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  23. Doc I am reading this post now and just wowing all the way. Like it telepathically inspired my guest post on your blog the other day. You know, what I do back in my own country with my story and advocacy, people ask me why all that passion for near no pecuniary benefit, now M.Ali’s quote makes so much meaning to me. May your own passion not be extinct any time soon – Amen

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Passion for people is a wonderful motivator in life. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve my patients in the past and the opportunity to serve the wordpress community in the present.

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