Rationalization-the action of attempting to justify or explain behaviors or attitudes with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate, in order to avoid the true explanation, and make them consciously tolerable- or even superior- by plausible means.

Hold on, it may be a bumpy ride…

This week I have been made aware of so many people who are getting sick, sicker and dying due to rationalization.  It’s everywhere, all the time, about everything.  People design a story to fit their situation.  You know, the congestive heart failure patient who argues that they should be able to eat salt, the diabetic who reasons that”a little sugar won’t hurt me” the individual who is always drowning in angst about the number on the scale but who refuses to give up sugar-laden pretty poisons. They share this delusion, that the Truth is whatever they want it to be. Sometimes it’s called “wanting to have your cake, and eat it too”.  We want what we want and sometimes we want things that conflict.

Altered Reality

How many times have you heard someone say, “Well, I just don’t believe that.”  The topic doesn’t matter.  What I’m talking about here is the mistaken idea that if we don’t believe a thing then it actually affects whether it’s true or not.  This is a symptom of a deep emotional conflict where we deal with stress by creating false ideas merely to do what we want.

Current Tragedies

This week I have known of a diabetic who is getting progressive amputations, a dialysis patient who continues to consume large amount of carbonated beverages, a multiple heart attack victim who continues to smoke, a multiple heart attack victim who has to have the most advanced insulin delivery system available due to raging diabetes and a morbidly obese individual who became diabetic very late in life and whose health is plummeting, and they all have created stories that they believe excuses their decisions to continue doing the things that got them to this point.  My favorite Aunt died from throat cancer directly associated with smoking and never realistically considered quitting the cigarettes.  Another dear family member always did the opposite of what her doctor ordered and had multiple heart attacks until she died at 62.  Excuses and lying to themselves have not changed the reality of a slow, agonizing death.

Choices

Imagine the difference in a life if, instead of using those creative powers to rationalize death, an individual created plans and avenues to overhaul their lives in order to do away with some of the stress induced rebellion.

Imagine the difference if the creativity was used to create a workable exercise program inside of a difficult, not exercise friendly, situation.

Imagine the difference if the creativity was used to create a plan for seeking professional help.

What if the creativity was used to create life, instead of death…food plans, schedules, appointments for various self-care activities and counselors…

With these types of changes and focused attention, many deadly health crises can be diverted…

What about all of the children who are watching you.  Do you want them to follow your example?  If not, you can change.  It’s up to you.

I ask you tonight, Friends, why would you not do it? Choose life.

;-*