Disincentives 2. (stomas)

DISINCENTIVES 2. (STOMAS)

With many choices facing us
stomas can be ambiguous,
because they may incentivise 
and yes, they can demoralise.

Stomas can be life-savers,
which may be viewed as our saviours
and there’s a simple reason why,
because without them we might die.

But when we start to live with it
and have to control all that shit, 
a new outlook may skew our view
with all the things we need to do.

Plus, all that gear we need each day
can sway minds to a different way,
and so, we may grow not so keen
on this life-changing stoma scene.

Some stomas cause a lot of stress
and leave us in an awful mess,
and cussing about all the fuss
can also help discourage us.

With stomas, there’s a point of view
that there are things that we can’t do
without a lot of hassle and
aggravation we can’t stand. 

I’m sure, it will be no surprise
these thoughts can disincentivise
and make it less likely that we
will live our lives productively. 

When my mind is that negative,
I’ll try to find a positive
to balance both perspectives so
I’ll know which way I ought to go. 

                                                B.Withers 2023

Nice work! Keep writing and journaling if it brings you peace.

I think mental health plays a big part in our ostomate journey and life itself.  I have journalled for 12 years myself. Dont get me wrong the diaries are depressing and full of sadness, rage and regret along with ordinary life challenges.  These are not gratitude journals at all but the end result of purging those thoughts and feelings from my head and heart that kept me dark and angry. Writing it all down uncensored made me feel stronger, I could grieve for myself when reading it and then put it away feeling lighter and more in control even when I was not.

I may write a book using those journals someday and detail everything I've learned about food, our healthcare system, menopause and surviving multiple late stage metastisized cancers amid a world wide pandemic.

I'm grateful to be alive even through the pain, tears and uncertainty. I'm grateful to be expecting my 1st grandchild in 2024 and being around to help raise the next generation. I am one lucky woman and hope you are lucky too. 

Hello terrizajdel. 

Thank you so much for commenting on this rhyme. Previously, had not considered my writing as a form of ‘journal’, but now you mention it, I suppose it does come across a bit like that. 
I have tended to write rhymes as ongoing collections, with a view to publishing them in book form rather than as a ‘journal’, but I suppose it amounts to the same sort of thing. 
Your précis as to the reasons for writing your diaries certainly rings true with me and I could not have put it better myself.
 
I particularly liked your last line “. Writing it all down uncensored made me feel stronger, I could grieve for myself when reading it and then put it away feeling lighter and more in control even when I was not”. --Which sums it up nicely.

Also, I would encourage you to go that step further and compile your book from the work that you have already done on your journals. I have found a certain satisfaction (over and above the actual rhymes) from publishing my work in book form. The work involved in collating the material into a cohesive whole, I find tends to cement the therapeutic process, as by then I am sufficiently detached from the emotions to appreciate the significance of the documentation. 

I wish you well in your journalistic endeavours.
Best wishes

Bill

Hello Viking1.
Thank you too for joining in the conversation on this post. It is comforting to know that there are other people out there who take the time to write down their feelings, experiences and wisdom in journals, to reflect and share with others.

Your observations on intergenerational education are spot-on!

Best wishes

Bill