Chronicles of one woman’s journey towards well-being: response-ability
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-07-2018-0025 |
| Published date | 13 August 2018 |
| Date | 13 August 2018 |
| Pages | 218-220 |
| Author | Jo Mullen |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
Chronicles of one woman’s journey
towards well-being: response-ability
Jo Mullen
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of one woman’s journey
towards well-being.
Design/methodology/approach –A narrative approach has been taken to structure reflections based on a
lived experience.
Findings –Reflections are offered based on a personal journey towards well-being.
Originality/value –This paper adds to the accounts of the lived experience of the journey towards
well-being, and as such, contributes to the understanding of the process of rebuilding a life.
Keywords Responsibility, Autonomy, Awareness, Trauma, Choice, Anxiety
Paper type Viewpoint
Self-awareness and self-honesty are essential steps along the journey of self-healing (Holden, 1992,
p. 43).
For many years, I have endeavoured to follow the maxim, “Know thyself,”as directed by the
Oracle at Delphi, the Hindu Upanishads and countless others. However, it could well be the case
that this constant pressure to pursue self-knowledge has led to the plethora of troubled thoughts
and my perpetual state of unease. I do, at the same time, however, hold onto the hope that by
expanding my awareness, by reaching for deeper levels of truth, I will, in the end, arrive at a place
of wisdom, and beyond that, achieve a sense of peace. Though somewhat perturbed by this
dialectical conundrum, I am heartened by my basic understanding of quantum physics, that
opposing states can exist simultaneously until an action is taken. In other words, all things are
possible until a choice is made. But I cannot make the “best”choice without first acknowledging
my current position.
You may recall the realisation I had come to previously, namely that a phenomenon known as
“toxic stress”, had resided within my mind and my body for most of my life. Well, afterwards, I
resolved to tackle the problem of my long-standing anxiety. I have been aware for some time now
that I am most vulnerable to attack when required to leave the sanctuary of my house to satisfy
some external expectation or demand. So, a couple of months ago, I made a promise to myself: I
would only venture outside my front door if I chose to. This of course, presented me with yet
another challenge –could I occupy myself sufficiently, and with purpose, despite avoiding most
social contact? Fortunately, I can report a respectable degree of success on both fronts.
First, my overall levels of anxiety and obsessive planning have greatly reduced as a result of my
self-imposed stay-at-home-ness, allowing me the freedom to opt for long afternoons with friends
and dogs in the country when the mood tempts me –an altogether normal response (when I
compare myself with others) to the delicious weather we have all been enjoying.
Second, I have become determined in my efforts to engage in activities that do not involve social
interaction. For example, I have renewed my interest in reading, opening up opportunities for
virtual travel as I explore other worlds –all without having to endure the pain of negotiating a bus,
a train or a public space in order to reach my destination. I even attended a conference from
Jo Mullen is based at Wot R U
Like?, Elgin, UK.
PAGE218
j
MENTALHEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
j
VOL. 22 NO. 4 2018, pp. 218-220, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-07-2018-0025
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