On Being Whole by Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.

As a physical therapist, I have been placed in a unique advantage to see life from a variety of perspectives. perhaps it is because physical therapists get to spend time with their patients in a very positive environment - working towards getting more function, relieving pain in a very soothing way by touching the patient, getting to know the patient's support system and other aspects that are impacting their lives. As a result of working with people from all walks of life, I have come to the conclusion that most people want to be happy and safe, doing things without pain and being able to live life without trouble. Some fear losing their memory, others fear suffering at the end of their lives and others are still searching for acceptance.

At any rate, life moves quicker than we like, it's always changing it seems to get harder to make it through the day as we get older. More than once I have been told to never grow old.

Some people have a hard time losing friends or having family move away. Some widows miss their spouses and can't seem to live a happy life in a world of couples. Others get depressed over lower energy and not being able to do 15 different tasks per day like before. And it is really challenging when one suffers a major loss of function with a stroke, serious illness, or traumatic injury.

So, what defines wholeness? Does one have to be totally healthy? Be in a meaningful relationship? Be a productive member of society? Be able to travel the world? Be able to drive a car? Have friends?

I suppose we are all in a state of becoming so we may never feel like we are whole. Maybe it would be better to be in a state of now, just as we are, no more, no less. If we could accept who we are at this point in time, then maybe, we can be whole just as we are, no more, no less.

I try to remember to be in the state of now by remembering the lyrics to a song, "Love the one you are with." Then I am not looking forward to some point in the future, but can enjoy the present moment.

My father used to say that you can be miserable by focusing on the flaws of people or the neighborhood, or you can be happy by focusing on the good in any situation. He said there is good and bad in everything. All I can say is that you will find what you are looking for.

I have never wanted to be the type of person who is always looking forward to the next vacation, the next holiday, or the next major event. I have always strived to enjoy nature, which can be found in and outside my house or office. To be able to enjoy the company of friends, or strangers. To find the joy in the task at hand. In doing so, I'm able to feel whole.