Each January, we wish our friends a healthy new year. I did too! Given my situation, however, I've been wondering--what is health?
You're probably wondering what's with this crazy picture of me? A plywood cut-out is the only way I'd ever have such fabulous curves! Obviously that body image is a joke. Even if it weren't, health isn't defined by looking attractive.
Modern medicine usually considers health to be the absence of something bad. My blood is tested to make sure dozens of biological markers aren't outside the "normal" range. My torso is scanned for any new mysterious shadows. I'm constantly asked if I feel any pain. Luckily, I can say no. (My existential dread doesn't count.)
At my last visit with my doctor, he asked how I was. Great, I answered, except, of course, that I have cancer. We laughed.
So how can I be healthy? How can any of us be?
Almost everyone I know has something--painful joints, digestive woes, anxiety. The list could go on and on. Sadly for most of people, those challenges are going to remain.
So what are we really wishing for our friends? Health isn't the binary of being sick or not. Health is a spectrum.
Maybe it's how I feel about how I feel?
As I often say, circumstances are hard to change. But we do have more control over our minds. We can look for comfort and comedy and chocolate (or whatever your choice of treat). If we keep searching, we'll find something good.
And so I do wish you a healthy new year.
