I’ve written before about music improv and the health journey. Today I’m inspired by Tina Fey. She says:
The first rule of improvisation is AGREE. Always agree and SAY YES. When you’re improvising, this means you are required to agree with whatever your partner has created. For the health journey this means accept what is as soon as you can. “This sucks, why me” is real and necessary, but agree/accept allows you to move on and deal with it.
The second rule of improvisation is not only to say yes, but YES, AND. You are supposed to agree and then add something of your own. For the health journey this means take charge. Wherever you’re at, build a team, seek information, get help.
The next rule is MAKE STATEMENTS. This is a positive way of saying “Don’t ask questions all the time.” If we’re in a scene and I say, “Who are you? Where are we? What are we doing here? What’s in that box?” I’m putting pressure on you to come up with all the answers.In other words: Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles. This means try stuff. Follow the advice of your team or don’t – follow your nose. But try stuff to feel better.
THERE ARE NO MISTAKES, only opportunities. For the health It’s all an experiment. Professionals give advice from the knowledge they have about populations – groups of people. You are one person. You are the expert about yourself. If whatever you do works-congratulations. Write it down. When x happens and I do y, I feel better. If it doesn’t work, write that down too and try something else. If your working on one thing and it doesn’t get better, try something else.
If you’re tired of trying, listen to Robin Williams, Mel Brooks, Jonathan Winters, Tina Fey or whoever makes you laugh. Share who makes you laugh.
Have a good week.
Dave, check out http://www.participatoryhealth.org. Many other e-patients out there
Finally someone who understands that the individual is (or can be) responsible for their own health and well being. As a nurse, I can provide advice, experience, resources and aid but I can’t make you healthy. Thats your responsibility. Don’t just whine about it, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Do it with a smile, a positive outlook and the support of friends and family and you’ve got all you need.
Good thoughts