my bloghead 4-Is it all in the mind, gene?

mind

EDDYIMAGE_edited

gene

Is it all in the mind? or Is it in our genes? Since turning 60 almost two years ago and diagnosed with cancer, I have re-discovered and revived a number of the talents/skills I dropped due to work, family commitments and peer pressure. Things I should have continued had it not been bred into me to be the 'breadwinner' or the 'man of the house' and the constant peer pressure from so called friends whom I foolishly listened to, telling me, for example, going to university is for 'cissy's'. All part of growing up or wasted years? You can comment. How often have you heard this? Man up and get a proper job. Fool me for listening. Well I tried all of that and although I have been working in a job that has had its satisfactory moments, I always felt there was something missing and last year became the turning point for me. When I decided to take partial retirement and deal with the cancer diagnosis, the very thought of not working a so called 'full working week' nearly had me running for the hills. My wee body and mind had been so tuned into the 9-5 syndrome for over 40 years, I felt like I was in rehab enduring cold turkey. That initial period became a major catalyst into my new way of thinking. I had entered my 'grey zone'. I bought myself a bicycle (a fatbike) and started to travel around observing the old places I used to hang out and discovering they had mostly all disappeared and old friends had either passed away, moved on or in most cases, gave in to the 'I'm getting old syndrome'. I remember one old friend stopping me in mid cycle and saying "aye Gemmell, your family always had good genes." Genes, what did we know about genes when we were growing up? Its a fairly recent phenomenon and still in the medical exploratory stage, so can we for definite say "its all in your genes?" I was raised by a huge family, my grandmother on my mothers side having fifteen children with whom I was basically raised in my early years and I adorned my gran. She had a great attitude towards life given the difficulties of raising a huge family in a small council house and little money coming in. But, she always remained positive. I learned a lot from this lady and it is only in my more mature years that her influence and that of my mothers do I now appreciate their attitude towards life. My mother is in her 80's now but its her attitude coupled with my grans that has inspired me over the past few years. She has this boundless energy to keep going and try things and I am glad I have been witness to this or I may not have survived that initial cancer scare period.

But, some argue that its my inherited genes that's provided me with this attitude and not my experiential mind. Also, its my inherited genes that's given me cancer and not just bad luck? What do you think?

It is so easy to capitulate and convince yourself that there are certain things you cannot do any more. But what I say to that is, rubbish. I know we may have certain limitations no matter what your age or restricted abilities the human mind has this wonderful ability and agility in seeking new routes if you 'allow' yourself to do so. It may so powerful that it can change the genetics of your body? Argue? Anyway, I say. Cut your cloth to suit. Note the word 'allow'. I think this is key to it all. I remember a friend recently saying to me: "Eddy, give yourself permission for the first time in all your life, to fail." To me, by 'allowing' yourself to try is freedom in its own and even though you may have failed, you have had the freedom to try and the power to continue and learn from that failure. An old footballer friend of mine who had a knee and hip injury and basically diagnosed as 'disabled', said he was inspired by one of my blogs and decided he wanted to play football again at 64! So, he sought out a local 'walking football' team and is now back with the 'guys' playing competitively and enjoying the camaraderie he once loved when younger. His physique and attitude have completely changed and he feels like a " wee boy again" (his words). Did he really have a genetic 'disability' or was it all in the mind? No matter your age, 'allowing' yourself that freedom to 'have a go' can only come from within your mind. You may have the wonder 'genes' they all talk about where they can detect defects etc but you must have the attitude and state of mind to take it forward. Get your mind into the right gear and it can take on any mountain even your genes?

#genes #cancer