Finding a Way: Healing Beyond the Broken Healthcare System
The words healthcare and healing should go hand in hand—but too often, they don’t. In the U.S., our system is frequently called “sick-care,” with true health left out of the equation. My personal experience with the medical system felt like an endless, frustrating loop. No matter how much experts insisted their treatments would help, I was left feeling as if a Band-Aid had been slapped on a gaping wound. Worse yet, the gaslighting that came with seeking answers was maddening, and the prescribed treatments often seemed to do more harm than good.
The Cracks in the System
Unfortunately, my story is not unique. Since the pandemic, more and more people have begun to see the cracks in the systems designed to support our health. In my search for real solutions, I discovered that we are in a Wild West of information—an era where health advice is everywhere, but not all of it leads to healing. Some paths lead to expensive, misleading, or even harmful dead ends. Others reveal shocking truths that can leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
Through trial and error, I found strategies that worked for me. I aim to share the insights and pioneers who guided me on my healing journey here in SomeTimes and its sister blog, Libra Rising.
The Power of Shared Experience in Healing
In 12-step programs, there’s a phrase that stuck with me:
"We share our experience, strength, and hope so that it may help another sick and suffering person."
At first, its wisdom wasn’t obvious to me—especially as a newcomer. But over time, I realized the profound impact of hearing others share their journeys.
Twelve-step recovery played a vital role in my healing, but it was just one part of a much bigger process. One of the most healing aspects was hearing others talk openly about their struggles and triumphs. From the relief of hearing someone admit they were at their first meeting—just like I was—to the deep realizations sparked by old-timers sharing their pink-cloud-bursting experiences, I found solace in knowing I wasn’t alone.
Hope Through Experience
I don’t claim to have all the answers, and I’m not here to give advice. I’m just another bozo on the bus, as the saying goes. But I do know this: the struggles I’ve faced have forged a strength in me that I hope can serve as a light for someone else.
Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and the road is often long and winding. But by sharing our experiences, we help each other find the way forward.
