If you’re a car driver, you’ll be used to the myriad of hazard and warning lights on your dashboard. Whether you know exactly what they’re for – or not – is another matter (!). Some orange, some red. Some blinking, often rather aggressively. Others coming with a warning shriek or, as an elderly relative used to call them, “whingers.” With there being so many different ones these days, it can be hard to know which ones to pay attention to – NOW!!! – and which can be safely ignored, for a while at least… 

 

And it’s exactly the same with us, albeit less high tech. We all have our own unique warning signs and symptoms that something may be amiss. Whether a little or a lot. We just have to notice them. 

It seems to be a common human failing that we all find it difficult to ask for help at times. 

 

Sometimes it’s because of a terrier like tendency not to let go until we’ve sorted out whatever it is. “I’ll do this if it’s the last thing I do.” 

Or, perhaps, it’s down to embarrassment – or pride – that we think we’ll look stupid if we ask for help. “Everyone else can do it, why can’t I?”. “What will people think?” 

 

While it may sound like a bit of a cliché, there’s nothing stupid about asking for help. In fact, exactly the reverse could be said to be true. Knowing that you need help, but not asking for it, now that is stupid. 

We’re often asked by Clients about the latest “must have” book / film / online course / fill in the blank. There are thousands of them out there, so we’re sure you know what we’re talking about... 

 

They all tend to follow a similar format and promise to transform your life. And, most importantly, with minimal effort on your part. Perhaps by improving your general health or a specific health condition. Or maybe your popularity, love life, job or financial position. 

 

With many people being curious and enjoying learning new things, it’s not surprising that so many of them end up on their shelves at home. But, all too often, they fail to live up to the hype. 

 

Why is this? 

While there’s now greater awareness of adrenal fatigue, you’re still likely to receive a less than sympathetic response from most conventional practitioners. That it’s really just a myth. How the – often vague – set of symptoms being experienced are probably all in your mind. Oh and there isn’t a specific blood test to diagnose it. Sadly, this isn’t a joke, but something we hear all too often from Clients… 

 

All too often, another label may be given for the symptoms. Depression. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ME. Glandular Fever which, ironically, may not show up on a blood test either depending on the virus concerned. However, as these all mean that the deeper underlying cause isn’t identified, any improvement tends to be short term at the best. 

 

Why is this? 

And, yes, we know it’s a very clever play on words, but that doesn’t stop it from being true... 

 

Assumptions do make an ASS out of U and ME… 

 

So, the question is, why do we carry on making them??? 

While we may not like to admit it, humans are driven by their feelings. Positive and negative. Good and not so good. Those we’re fully aware of and those we’re not – even though they may be very obvious to those around us (!). 

 

Interestingly, most of the time people seem to be completely oblivious of this simple truth. And that’s regardless of whether they consider themselves more of a logical left brained person or an intuitive right brained one. 

 

We’re naturally drawn to people and things that make us feel “good” – or at least less “bad” (!) – and away from those that really make us feel “bad”. Since everyone’s idea of what constitutes “good” and “bad” is different; it’s not surprising that it can sometimes be difficult to fathom out the choices those around us are making… 

As Clients and regular readers of this blog will know, we love people watching and find the human condition endlessly fascinating. And, before anyone gets the wrong idea, we’re not talking about it from an “OMG” point of view. Nor from a professional one either, although David can spot a dodgy Hip, Back or Knee at a 100 paces (!). Our interest is simply that no two people are precisely the same. And, yes, we know it’s a cliché, but that doesn’t stop it from being true. 

 

While we each have our own particular foibles, – or endearing little habits, if you prefer (!) – beliefs and behaviours, there are many we seem to share; whether we’re aware of it or not. The one we’d like to focus on this week is something we can all succumb to at times although, sadly, it seems to be in danger of becoming the norm. 

 

So, what are we talking about? 

Last week we took a look at susceptibility. Why there is no Bogeyman – with your name written on them (!) – out there waiting for you. If you need a quick reminder, you can find the post here. 

 

As so often is the case, this has led on to various conversations with Clients, friends and family about what actually determines susceptibility. In other words, risk factors. The things most likely to tip the odds for you in the wrong direction. 

 

Before we go any further, there’s one very important thing to bear in mind. That we’re all completely unique. In every way. There’s never been another person exactly like us and never will be again. So, however similar we may be to another person – or people, particularly our relatives – our own particular make up, circumstances, life and medical history are unique to us. 100%. 

With September here and the schools back – where did the Summer go?!? – stories have already started to appear about the forthcoming Flu / winter bugs season. 

 

How new strains are appearing in Europe / the Far East / Australia / fill in the blank. That they’re all heading straight for the UK. And it’s going to be the worst season ever. Guaranteed. 

 

The picture painted is of battalions of bugs rampaging their way round the world, sinister figures with evil intent bent on worldwide domination. Bogeymen for adults. It’s enough to make you want to retreat to the safety of your bed, pull the duvet over your head and stay there until it’s all over. 

This is one of those questions we love to ask people to help get them thinking about what they truly value in life. So, before we go any further, why not take a moment to answer it for yourself? 

 

And, for those of you who worry about getting the answer “wrong”, the good news is there isn’t a “right” answer. Phew, that takes the pressure off! It’s only about what matters to you and, you never know, you may learn something interesting about yourself in the process...