Embracing Our Humanity: Understanding Common Struggles
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Chapter 1: The Misconception of Being "Broken"
I often remind my clients of a vital truth: "That makes you human. Welcome. We've been expecting you." This is a sentiment I express in nearly every session.
Many of us feel as though we are a chaotic mess in need of countless remedies—be it medication, supplements, or various services—to feel whole. The idea of becoming a "normal" human can seem elusive. However, I have discovered that over 95% of the time, what we perceive as brokenness simply isn't the case.
While I acknowledge that disorders and diseases are real—my brother-in-law lives with one—most of what we believe to be our flaws stem from misunderstandings about our humanity.
Clients often ask, "Why do I keep doing X? It feels abnormal, and maybe I should seek help." Or they wonder, "Why do I keep experiencing Y repeatedly?" I understand; being human is challenging. Yet, much of what we experience is a natural part of our psychophysiological responses to our circumstances.
Take the question, "Why do I feel incapable of getting anything done?" This is completely normal. It may stem from stress—considering that around 80% of individuals experience burnout—leading your body to push for recovery. Alternatively, it may be that your mind seeks a flow state, yet the task at hand lacks challenge. When your skills exceed the required challenge, boredom ensues, prompting your brain to seek ways to elevate the task's difficulty, which is entirely normal and does not signify brokenness.
Similarly, many feel perpetually busy, claiming they never have time. This perception is a product of our culture, which often glorifies busyness and accomplishments. When we prioritize being busy, our brains naturally focus on this, reinforcing the feeling of having no time to slow down. Again, this is normal and does not indicate brokenness.
Recurring feelings such as anxiety or depression may indeed be psychological, but they are often rooted in energy deficits—specifically magnesium (Mg-ATP) levels—rather than true brokenness. Many suffer from inadequate diets, leading to insufficient energy production in the body. When energy levels are low, bodily functions may shut down to maintain survival, potentially resulting in anxiety and depression that reflect our humanity rather than our brokenness.
All emotions serve as signals from our bodies, indicating what we might need to address. None of them are inherently good or bad, and there is no emotion that makes us broken. Embracing emotional intelligence involves recognizing and understanding these signals, often leading to improved comprehension of our experiences.
Believing our feelings are abnormal can hinder our understanding. In reality, they are often quite normal. Society bombards us with messages suggesting we are broken, which can create a cycle of seeking solutions that never seem to end. Each new problem identified comes with a shiny solution, perpetuating the notion that we are broken and in need of constant fixing.
The truth is, you were likely never broken in the first place. Many of these concepts profit from the belief that something is wrong with us. Instead of fixating on perceived problems, we should recognize these experiences as natural aspects of being human.
Welcome, indeed—we have been waiting for you.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Cultural Perceptions
In the video "What's the Problem With Kids These Days? Maybe it's Us," we explore the role of societal expectations in shaping our perceptions of normality and brokenness. The discussion highlights how our environment influences our understanding of ourselves and others.
Chapter 3: Addressing Anxiety and Energy Deficits
The video "The Truth Behind Why Trying Harder Doesn't Work (When You Have ADHD)" delves into how energy levels affect our mental health and the misconceptions surrounding effort and capability. It emphasizes the importance of understanding our body's needs in relation to our emotional states.