Tenacity. Stick-to-it-ive-ness. These are things that can can be of value, whether we’re on the job, doing a hobby, raising kids or even healing.
Then there’s the flip side:
I know how I am.
It’s just how I am.
That’s the way I am.
This can be justification for not changing. For not trying something new. Or for not seeking treatment.
I heard this a few months ago from someone with serious chronic illness who wouldn’t entertain a new way of looking at her symptoms and possibly even handling them.
I heard it again from a friend with a family member who obviously has cancer that is progressing in a big and visible way, a painful way but refuses to do anything but alternative healing. In situations like this, I always refer to Steve Jobs, who had the only kind of pancreatic cancer that is curable, but who died from it because he stuck too long to only alternative treatments. I believe many alternative treatments can be effective but every case is different. There’s a time and place for everything, including mind body healing. Just so you know I am not recommending that anyone abandon medical treatment. Not at all.
Life is about growth and so is healing.
I’m all for respecting decisions people make about their treatment. It is, after all, their decision. But when a patient sees neon signs that say “THAT ISN’T WORKING, IT’S TIME TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT!” it would be beneficial to pay attention. Maybe even life-saving.
Chronic pain patients can sometimes rely so much on their medications, even necessary medications, that they fail to investigate other ways of managing some of their pain. Methods that do not have side effects. That aren’t potentially addictive. Or that aren’t as expensive over the long term. Such as hypnotherapy.
Whether a hypnotherapy client has chronic pain, panic attacks or anxiety I always require him/her to record the session and listen to the recording daily. Because the repetition is what helps the brain learn to manage their condition. But repetition takes work. It’s much easier to take a pill. I get that.
Sometimes meds really ARE necessary. I embrace that.
But that shouldn’t stop a patient from exploring the idea that other methods might be helpful, too. Or even instead of.
Yes, hypnotherapy can be very effective via Skype. Email me for more info at carol (at) ahealingspirit.org
Affirmations and expressive writing to help patients are also the subject of real medical research. See my gentle, pretty affirmations here and my guided journals here.
As I get older, I’ve found that being stubborn is an obstacle to almost everything. It’s the definition of biting your nose to spite your face.
Stacie recently posted…Chic and Affordable Wedding Dresses Under $100
Oh no. I will pray for your friend with Cancer. Sometimes stubbornness comes from fear. Like if I take these blinders off to see things a different way there is no telling what I’ll see. What we know is familiar and less scary even when it is not working.
This seems to be a problem in society today. Everyones opinion is the correct one. Nobody will accept the other sides opinion. Making up excuses for this behavior has become accepted which is to bad. We are here to learn and grow.
candy recently posted…Hot Artichoke Dip
Yes I do really stubbornness is not always a good idea. It definitely can keep you from doing what you should be doing.
I embraced various alternative treatments when I was undergoing fertility treatments. However, we ended up having to use fertility medications in the end.
At some point, you’re right you may have to switch things up a bit and try something new.
Tomi C recently posted…Maple and Brown Sugar Air Fryer Bacon
I can definitely dig my heels in and be stubborn. I think it is good to be stubborn sometimes but we need to be open to flexibility.
Ashley recently posted…Candy-Free Easter Basket Ideas
I have seen the stubbornness response as a way to get more attention. It is sometimes coupled with self medicating with vitamins and supplements !
Haralee recently posted…Plastic Squeeze Bottles are My Nemesis
Being stubborn can have its positives. I do see your point that being stubborn isn’t always the best course. Thoughts and prayers to your friend!
I admit, I can be stubborn, but not the point of not seeing another person’s point of view. I’ve heard hypnotherapy helps, but I’ve never tried it.
Amber Myers recently posted…A Review Of The Pizza Bowl At Olive Garden
The ability to see more than one possibility for any situation is a wonderful thing. Several friends and relatives have received the benefit of hypnotherapy when other treatments didn’t work as expected. An open mind and respect for the opinions of others is beneficial for everyone.
I’m a big fan of exploring all options. Not only natural and alternative but also more western medicines.
You nailed it!! That is one of my pet peeves as well! I hear it in so many ways too – healing, change, business, learning, etc and so on.
Joely Smith recently posted…Fashion Focus: The Perfect Blouse For Everything
I’ve seen stubborness get in the way of medical care. It’s frustrating when people won’t even try to make a change that could be positive.
I am so sorry about your friend. I agree that having a good sense of self is great, but at some point it can become blind stubbornness. I think a mix of standard treatment as well as natural elements are best
I am the most stubborn person I know. I am working on it, everyday.
Heather recently posted…The Day My Heart Shattered
Hypnotherapy is something I am interested in. Alba Weinstein is really making me want to do a session!
Kiwi recently posted…Exclusive Interview with Costume Designer Paco Delgado brings Whimsical Wardrobes to A Wrinkle In Time #WrinkleInTimeEvent
I agree with this! Sometimes we should be open to other ways to get better.
Toni | Boulder Locavore recently posted…Feisty Cucumber Mint Martini
THankfully, I am so much less stubborn than I was when I was younger. I find it doesn’t really get me anywhere and is just me putting my pride – or something – ahead of what is really best.
Cyn Gagen recently posted…Free or Low Cost Things to Do in London Ontario
If alternative works then I would go for it but as you’ve said, different cases need different treatments. Cancer took so many lives in my family, it’s awful.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted…Do’s And Don’ts In Iceland You Need To Know/Famous Hot Dog Stand in Iceland
I think it depends, but I can be so stubborn as they come. It’s not a good look, and I think this is something very wrong with soceity lately. I’m working on it on my end.
I think stubbornness is generally an impediment to progress and new ways of looking things. It assumes serious proportions when it comes in the way of medical treatment and other serious issues
I think it’s important to keep an open mind most of the time. If something isn’t working, there’s no reason to stick to it.
Stubbornness truly won’t get you anywhere. We could all benefit from having open minds and open hearts about everything that comes our way. We would all live much happier lives in a much happier place if we could be more accepting.
Amanda recently posted…How to Make a Charcuterie Board
I have seen stubborn attitudes breakdown the strongest of people. Pride is a deadly sin, we need to overcome it.
Sara Welch recently posted…Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Definitely has its pros and cons. Good to know there are a variety of ways to approach it. I didn’t know hypnotherapy could be done over Skype.
Marysa recently posted…Shawn Colvin’s New Children’s Album, “The Starlighter” (**GIVEAWAY**)
This is so very true that we can be stubborn and not allow ourselves to move on. I am working through this part of my life and these are some great reminders.
I think being stubborn is part of growing up. You need to learn and achieve knowledge and maturity too. This article is indeed a great one. Right now, I am stubborn but now it depends on the situation.
Stubbornness is also true of people who abuse alcohol and substances. There is some type of deep pain they want to avoid and hypnosis is a way to help them address it.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski recently posted…Gun Reform : Marching Again for Safety and Kid’s Lives
It truly is astounding the many ways in which we can be our own worst enemy! I think often we confuse stubbornness with a mode of self preservation. You are so right, we need to see beyond ourselves, and open our minds to possibility before we can grow in any way.