I don't see how this post is patronising at all. Just goes to show that you are able to put things in perspective. A good deal of people I know could do with a pinch of that skill.
'On the way back to work I noticed at least five elderly people bent over walking sticks, one person in a wheelchair and another severely handicapped guy about my age.'
Did you get points for each one?
Joking - I know what you mean. You can't help but worry about your own problems (hell it's only natural). But it is worth remembering what challenges other people face every day.
Well, yeah. A problem out in perspective remains a problem. And frankly, Simon, I sympathise: sounds like an unpleasant time you're having with the injury. :(
I know sometimes holding disabled people up as moral exemplars because 'their suffering is so much worse than ours' is taken as patronising: I've known disabled people who find that attitude very frustrating because they feel it shows that all anyone sees about them is the disability. But here it is a direct and relevant comparison, so I don't find it so. :)
It's refreshing to get a little dose of reality - a nice bit of perspective to remind us that we have things to be thankful for, no matter how crappy life is.
I had a similar experience a month or so ago...it's sobering and heartening to see the elderly hobbling around the streets of Manhattan, while I'm pissing and groaning about an inflamed back muscle (or, in the case of today, a zillion blisters because I wore the cute, stupid, death-to-feet shoes.)
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Did you get points for each one?
Joking - I know what you mean. You can't help but worry about your own problems (hell it's only natural). But it is worth remembering what challenges other people face every day.
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I know sometimes holding disabled people up as moral exemplars because 'their suffering is so much worse than ours' is taken as patronising: I've known disabled people who find that attitude very frustrating because they feel it shows that all anyone sees about them is the disability. But here it is a direct and relevant comparison, so I don't find it so. :)
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I think I need one of those moments myself.
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I hope your body gets itself sorted soon.
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