I met with a specialist M.D. yesterday who told me I was wrong, and that I shouldn’t be feeling pain where I claim to be feeling pain. At first I was upset, taken aback even, to be told I shouldn’t be feeling the pain which clearly pains me. He even asked—more astutely than I could at first perceive—“what else is going on with your body, Kurt?” I told him nothing else was wrong, and he reluctantly agreed to proceed down a road of treatment—surgery—which may address part of my problem, but which he believes will not fix my pain, which he insists I shouldn’t be feeling. And now, I think he’s right…
It was later that same evening, after my meeting with the doctor. The sun had set, and Yumiko and I were finishing our long, two-mile evening dog walk. The pain arrived, as usual, a little after the second mile. Yumiko and Ollie the dog were back a few paces, and I was alone with Rudy and the pain. I was focused on the pain, thinking about the doctor’s words “you shouldn’t be feeling pain there” and “what else is going on with your body now?” Words I’d at first dismissed and ignored. But now, prompted by the specialist doctor’s statement and question, I realized that he was right. The pain was somewhere else in my body—it was almost where I thought it was, but not quite.
As Yumiko caught up, I told her “He’s right! I think the doctor is right. The pain may not be where I believe it is. It’s a little more to the left. Something else may be the cause. I should’ve heard what he was saying to me. He was correct to ask me what else might be going on.”
I’ll call back today and request a second appointment with that inquisitive specialist. And I’ll answer the question he’d first asked and which I’d previously ignored. And I will hear and answer whatever questions follow. And I’ll remember to listen carefully to experts whenever I’m given the chance to enjoy their council. And to respond thoughtfully, after due consideration of what I am being asked and told. I’ll listen to my body and my reason. But I will also strive to hear the words and ideas of those with experience and who may know better.
☀️ THE GOOD LIFE CREED ☀️
The Good Life Meditation serves as a daily compass, orienting me towards personal objectives and principles essential for a purposeful existence within an indifferent universe. Further your understanding of The Good Life by visiting my website, GoingAlone.org, or delve into my book Going Alone—hardcover recommended. Get a signed copy here. 📚✍️
🎯 OBJECTIVES: 1. Be Always Ready to Die ☠️ 2. Make Good Use of Time and Resources ⏳🛠️ 3. Develop Good and Sound Life Principles 📜🦉 4. Cultivate Good Emotional Reactions 😌💡 5. Perform Good Actions 🤝✅ 6. Recognize True Limits and Opportunity 🚪🔍 7. One Thing Slowly 🐢🧘♂️
8. Maintain Balance ⚖️
📜 PRINCIPLES: 1. Principle of War ⚔️ 2. Principle of Reason 🧠 3. Homunculus 👤 4. Anchorhold ⚓ 5. Home of Good and Evil 😇😈 6. Principle of Purpose 🎯 7. Atomic Principle ⚛️ 8. Principle of Nature 🌳 9. The Pirate Ride 🏴☠️ 10. Principle of Maturity 🌱➡️🌳 11. Social Principle 🤝
12. Principle of Family 👨👩👧 13. Public Speaking 🗣️ 14. Temperance 🍷➡️💧 15. Life Will Not Go Well ⛈️ 16. The Horror Show 🎭😱 17. That Which Must Be Borne 🎒 18. The Feast of Offal 🗑️🍽️ 19. Distraction 📵 20. Agency and The Great Indifference ⚙️🌌 21. The Best Seat in the House 🛋️ 22. The Restless Man 👣 23. The Path of Wildness 🌲🛤️ 24. The Great Life Adventure 🗺️ 25. The Risk of Avoiding Risk 🎲 26. Sin and Damnation 😈🔥 27. Complete Oblivion 🕳️ 28. The Season of Philosophy 📚
29. Scriptwriting 🖋️📜 30. Bullseye Aim 🎯 31. The Uphill Climb ⛰️ 32. Arena and Utility 🏟️🔧 33. Nothing IS enough 0️⃣ 34. The Principle of Fun 🎉
35. Being Ready 🚀
🌄📚🚶♂️ Kurt Bell is a passionate explorer, dedicated family man, and author of books such as "Going Alone" and "No More Looking Out For Number One." Born in America in 1964, he integrates Stoic philosophy into his physical and philosophical journeys. Today's venture on The Path of Wildness embodies this harmonious blend of exploration and mindful living. While Kurt savors these moments and looks forward to future adventures, he remains ever prepared for life's end, ready to depart without a single backwards glance.
🌐 Website: https://goingalone.org
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/softypapa
📧 Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
👍 Support my endeavors on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/softypapa
My name is Kurt Bell
Learn more about The Good Life in my book Going Alone
Be safe... But not too safe.
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