Finding meaning through reflections on life experiences : guidelines for promoting family health

• Main Author: Avni, Vearle
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Life changing events; Family health and hygiene; Community health nursing
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3565

M.Cur. === Who am I? What am I doing here? What is the purpose of life? What is real? Individuals are intent on trying to find an answer to their questions about life, yet many may find that they remain in a quagmire of confusion and vacillating inner torment. In their own lives many individuals deal with pain, guilt and death, each having their own share of suffering where they may either withdraw into their own world or attempt to take from it whatever bit of happiness and pleasure they can, which often leaves them with a feeling of emptiness, futility and despair. What is it aU for? What is life about? According to what Waltos and Waltos (2002:16) have termed "a conscious revolution", individuals have entered an age of responsibility and empowerment. In both human life and healthcare this translates to individuals being more willing to take charge of their lives as well as responsibility for their overall health. Frankl (1984:15) posits mental health and stability to be dependent upon an individual's ability to perceive meaning. This quest for meaning is one of the greatest challenges facing individuals, families and nations (Wong & Fry, 1998:406). At certain points in life, everyone has questioned what sustains their being and what makes life worth living. With a focus on the family, the researcher to this study noticed that the first crack in many famUy structures developed during pregnancy, birth and parenthood due to an inability of the parents to communicate their differing views and perspectives of their reality. Consequently, this resulted in self-expression becoming compromised and inhibited, resulting in inner confusion and turmoil. Parenthood also brings about personal challenges of coping and making meaning out of life circumstances. This breakdown in relationships impacts on individuals' and families' ability to develop and grow holistically, with consequent negative ripple effects on family dynamics and structure. Such discord and disharmony further cascades out to include community and the work environment.