Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live. I am happy to see that you decided to stop by to visit with me.Through my process and in my experience I have discovered an undeniable truth. There is tremendous power in identification. Several years ago I wrote an article to share what I have learned about The Power of Identification. Because I have experienced tremendous comfort, courage and hope — through the power of identification – I share very personal information in the articles that I write and the video presentations that I create for Second Chance to Live.
Brain injury is described as the silent epidemic. People who sustain brain injuries are frequently caught in a conundrum. The conundrum that tells them that they look “normal” and the reality that their lives have been forever changed. Brain injury consequently leaves the individual questioning themselves and frequently challenged by family, friends and society. The conundrum leaves brain injury survivors feeling alone, isolated and alienated from themselves, their families and from other people in society who simply do not “get it”. Such feelings can leave brain injury survivors in the trap of comparing themselves with / to people who are not living with brain injuries.
Several days ago, I made the decision to create a group on Facebook to provide a safe place, where brain injury survivors, families impacted by brain injuries and the care givers who seek to serve brain injury survivors could learn to identify with one another. A place in which there would be no blaming, shaming, gossiping, criticizing, belittling or the challenging of one another. A safe place where people could meet to find encouragement, motivation, empowerment and hope as they are learning to live with the affects and the impact of a brain injury.
The name of the group is Second Chance to Live Group and can be visited by clicking on the following link Second Chance to Live Group. In the event that you would like to be a member of the Group — as we seek to provide a safe place for the members — please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.
Identification as opposed to Comparison
Identification empowers, where as comparison minimizes contribution. Comparison asserts stipulation to inclusion. Comparison mandates that certain criteria be met. Comparison predicates acceptance. Comparison demands compliance. Comparison postulates performance. Comparison shuns that which is different. Identification encourages progress while comparison specifies and expects outcomes. Identification celebrates small successes, whereas comparison, by its nature seeks to invalidate. Identification encourages individuality and motivates self-expression. Identification cultivates creativity.
Individuality is not considered a threat. Status quo is dismissed. Identification empowers and motivates. Identification musters enthusiasm in the face of any discouragement. Identification breaks down the walls of isolation. Alienation is dismissed. Eccentricity is held in esteem. Self-respect, self-esteem, and self-worth no longer need to be qualified. Value and ability is accepted at face value. Identification seeks to reconcile. Identification promotes humility.
As I seek to identify with others I practice love and tolerance. Identification frees my humanity to explore apart from comparison’s dictates. Identification encourages individual expression. Identification encourages hope, where as comparison predicates performance. Identification encourages process. Identification promotes self-confidence. Progress is accepted as a function of seeking to accept both others and one self. As I love and accept myself, I am free to create with my being.
My being and worth is not tied to a specific “toy” or outcome. I no longer need to keep up with the Jones. I no longer need to chase after external validation. Identifying with others dispels my need to judge. Identification gives me permission to take risks and to scrape my knees in the process. Identification promotes excellence, not perfection. Identification frees me to stay in the moment and to live life on life’s terms. Identification promotes unity.
I am interested to know what other contrasts you may have discovered. If you have any, please share them with me.
If you have any questions or would like to make a comment please use my Contact Information Page.
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