111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 69: A Healthy Discussion
Our country is currently engrossed in health insurance discussions, issues that are of vital important to us every single day. We don’t just think about them during enrollment periods or at the start of a new year. They affect so much of our existence that it’s nearly impossible for us NOT to think about these topics.
In considering my position regarding our country’s medical dilemmas, I realized that whether employed or unemployed we all have health insurance needs that are worthy of our time and attention. The fictional exchange below sprung from that realization.
PERSON 1:
I leave the house before the sun rises, deal with one crisis then another before lunch, go to meeting after meeting, and haven’t been home by dinnertime in weeks. I’m overloaded with work, struggle to pay bills, and count the days until my retirement. Plus, I have kids in daycare, sports practices I frequently miss, and dance recitals I race to make it to on time. My career doesn’t excite or fulfill me, but I gain strength in the knowledge that I am providing for myself and my family. As much as I complain, I am fortunate to have a job and one that offers benefits. I need those perks for all the therapy, stress tests, and medication.
PERSON 2:
I’m at a crossroads in life, one that I didn’t anticipate. I must swallow my pride to accept help from others, I spend a typical work week tweaking my resume, putting together a portfolio, scouring the internet for jobs, finding one that looks perfect then discover I’m under qualified. I pound the pavement, applying in person at local retail chains only for them to politely tell me that I must apply online. At this point, I am cutting costs and relying on generous rides from family or public transportation while my bank account dwindles with each passing week. I’ve been told that now’s the time to pursue that “dream job,” but I flounder between believing in myself and doubting that I’ll ever find employment in said field. I’m overwhelmed, stressed out, tired, and anxious, but I can only afford the most basic insurance plan, which means low monthly premiums but high deductibles and co-pays because my doctor and closest hospital is considered “out-of-network”. I need anxiety medicine to help focus and the counseling services bring clarity. At least I have some health coverage to pay for the therapy, stress tests, and medication.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 42 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
Kelly Deeny 