We recently have had some big discussions in our various groups about what I refer to as the “Ferris Wheel of life”; as we go through life we all have things we face and we have decisions to make along the way about whether we acknowledge and deal with those issues, or we keep running from them, trying to escape them, like trying to get off the Ferris wheel that won’t stop for you.
We have things that will keep interfering in the life we want for ourselves if we don’t stop the wheel in motion and fix it.
It is often said that some people are stronger than others and that it makes it easier for them to deal with things in a positive manner, so as to not have to have the same things come back to the table over and over again.
We all have the ability to decide, it’s what we do with those decisions that matter.
And they matter because if we don’t deal with our past issues and struggles, they lead to destruction, and they can and often do cause great pain and hurt to others, who we may not want to hurt, but inevitably we will if we have not dealt and faced the issues, thoughts, and beliefs that we hold inside, whether they are emotional issues, addictions, or direct our approach to things in our chosen fields.
We then must also ensure and choose carefully the Organizations that we chose to work with, are they and those working within are often swallowed up by “Corporate Egos” a term coined by Kate Swaffer, if so are they really listening to us are they really willing to make the changes within their own organizations for the betterment of those living with Dementia? Kate has been questioning many things, for more than a decade now, and says there is almost no substantive change she (and others) can report that has made by advocates and activists.
Or are they going to continue on the path they have decided is what is best? Can they admit this isn’t working it’s not getting the results needed to make that true difference?
It is very difficult to stay afloat yourself if you are surrounded by people who are drowning, and until they decide to take the steps to stop the Ferris wheel and get off, things just will continue to go round and round, creating destruction, discontent, and the inability to actually provide the care and services needed for people with Dementia to thrive.
And people who have not dealt with their own issues, cannot even though they believe they can have the ability to understand how vulnerable and fragile the well being of the person living with Dementia is.
So I keep asking myself is this why we have seen no change for so many years?
Are the people sitting at the helm of these Institutions and Organizations all stuck living with their own belief systems and unable to set them aside and actually hear and see the what’s presented to them and to be brave enough and have the courage to step out and up to help lead the way.
Is this too another of those things where its easier for many to just sit and let things remain because its what is known and familiar and doing something different is just too scary.
This is akin to the “old boys clubs”, the “Status Quo”; the Dementia field has been stuck in a rut for too long.
The Ferris Wheel in the Dementia world has been spinning for 25 + years with little or no change. People have been repeating and asking for the same things for too many years. Its time to stop the Ferris Wheels from spinning, its time to find a new approach.
Even the world’s oldest Ferris Wheels have the stop button hit, and a complete overhaul and update. Dementia needs the same thing. Fresh thinking, a restart, a whole new approach and look, let’s hope there are enough people brave enough to tear down the walls of their Organizations and Think Tanks, and take the brave walk and look through a different lens.
Maybe then we can all enjoy this Ferris Wheel of Life.
Chrissy's Journey 