Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 20, 2019)
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Your Story MATTERS Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP Columnist Grateful, blessed — and struggling Struggle does not dis- criminate. Grief and loss are part of the human expe- rience. Many of us will face heartbreak, regret, and despair. It is also possible that amid all of these reali- ties, we can simultaneously feel grateful, blessed, and perhaps just lucky. One of the most dynamic aspects of my job is that because of universal strug- gle, I have the privilege to sit with clients across the cultural, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and spiritual spectrum. Each story is unique, and avenues toward healing demand creativity and personalization. While there are certainly exceptions, the small towns in which I work, Sisters and Silverton, are known as quaint, desirable, safe, and each attracts its fair share of affluence and privi- lege. Both communities are also largely populated by decent, hard-working, and well-meaning residents, sensitive to their footprint in the community and larger world. <I feel bad being here,= some say in reference to stepping in my office. <I feel like I am just complain- ing,= others say. <I am prob- ably wasting your time&I am so grateful for my life& but I feel like I am drown- ing.= I do my best to gently inform each client that it is entirely possible to be both grateful and dismal at the same time. My more affluent clients, worried their trials will be perceived as petty, some- times sheepishly tell their story as if there is a level of shame to their concerns. In truth, emotional struggle is a great equalizer. While there may be pockets of advanced treatment options available to the wealthy and money may allow for more privileged treatments for cancer, chronic dis- ease, weight management, and aesthetic pursuits, cash cannot provide a lavish cure for depression, worry, loss, loneliness, abandon- ment, and heartbreak. The pain can be just as rel- evant and intense regard- less of socioeconomic status. Certainly, money can provide a lifestyle that may be protective against cer- tain emotional trials and can allow for opportunities that may buffer emotional burdens, but the human experience that inevitably includes suffering cannot be avoided. Furthermore, wealth and popularity can also reinforce the need to maintain an image and rep- utation that limits a person9s ability to be authentic or to live their truth. This can be burdensome and quite frankly, exhausting. We have seen celebri- ties, athletes, and prominent leaders and community members who appear to <have it all= disclose their emotional battles or mental illness and have also felt the shock of when emo- tional struggle overcomes a person9s will to continue on living. We might scratch our heads in search of how or why someone so <suc- cessful= could have been suffering so deeply. Those devout to certain faith-based beliefs may also struggle within the para- dox of emotional pain and simultaneous devotion to hope and redemption. It can feel at times that the prom- ises and comforts of faith can fall short amid loss and despair. Seeking respite outside a congregation can even feel like a betrayal of sorts. In my humble opin- ion, one should be able to be blessed, devout, and seek outside help without fear of judgement. In writing this, it is my continued hope that we would all learn to lead with compassion and kindness. We like to create labels and divisions that create a perception of how people should live and behave. When we try to have such rigidity and expectation, the world often proves us wrong. If you are experi- encing struggle and pain, breathe easy, you are human. Support is price- less 4 we are made to lean on each other and not go through this thing called life alone. 19 Draft of Oregon carbon emissions bill emerges SALEM (AP) 4 A draft bill to curb carbon emissions which contribute to global warming landed with a thud, at 98 pages in length. The measure released Thursday would establish a Carbon Policy Office, modify greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and market- based mechanisms for cov- ered entities to demonstrate compliance. Oregon House Republi- cans predicted the bill will rearrange virtually every family budget, and change the life of every Oregonian. House and Senate Republi- can leaders asked the Demo- crat leadership to involve all Oregonians in large policy decisions. Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, said she supports the measure since climate change threatens Oregon9s communities, economy, and way of life. She said legis- lators, advocates, and busi- nesses across Oregon worked hard on the draft, and looks forward to refinements to ensure the program achieves climate and economic goals. NuggetNews.com is your online source for Breaking News | Weather | Road Reports Year-round FIREWOOD SALES Holistic Mental Health Solutions Medication Management Counseling • Functional Medicine — Kindling — — — SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS 541-410-4509 Audry Van Houweling PMHNP-BC Now Accepting Insurance 541-595-8337 • www.shesoarspsych.com SistersForestProducts.com 102 E. Main Ave., Downtown Sisters Live Life Better! 55 & Over • Pets warmly welcomed • Independent living Chef-prepared meals included • Transportation services No long-term commitment Learn more: Free gift & chef-created lunch for you and your family when you mention this ad. 541-460-5323 | 1460 NE 27th Street, Bend | stonelodgeretirement.com nugget_2019-02-20.indd 19 This ad sponsored by The Nugget Newspaper 2/19/19 10:57 AM