relevant?

[Debzmites]

In the past 18 months I've come to realize that I am simply irrelevant and powerless in the greater scheme of life. I have no legal rights because at the time I couldn't afford to see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist and I am irrelevant, apparently nothing is taken serious unless these professionals say it.

At the moment, I've had a change of thought and actually enrolled in the Diploma of Mental Health, I can be an outreach worker and help others who struggle with mental health problems. I'm also going to get my MR licence so I can get some casual driving work, hopefully.

A bit part of the problem is money and power, although my finances are getting better and I have a plan in place to get my finances moving in the right direction, what on earth do I need to do to be relevant? I can't do a Medical Degree, obviously. I wont be of much influence with as a bus driver and/or mental health outreach worker. hmmm

[SubduedBlues]

Hi Debzmites

I am not sure where you are going with this thread, so please forgive me if I have misunderstood what you are after. You said that the problem is (in part) that you lack the money and power to become relevant. First of all, what do you mean by relevant? Or, or to the point, in what context do you feel irrelevant?

Insofar as the greater scheme of life, in general terms, there are extremely few people on the planet that any one significant portion of the population would consider relevant to their lives. These people are likely to include the Queen, the Pope, and a few others. I may be relevant in a few peoples lives, but I am not relevant in the greater scheme of life.

If you are speaking rhetorically, and are suggesting the greater scheme for your family, your coworkers, or your friends -- again I am unsure of what power you think you need to have?

Nobody really has the power to change anyone, rather it is some people allow others to make decisions for them. Influence is something altogether different. I have have never known a job title or role to limited how much someone can influence people to change. In the mid-20th century a poor smalltown preacher influenced a country to change its culture; that man was Martin Luther King Jr.

Influence is the seeding of thoughts and ideas. It is about making suggestions and helping the seed of thought grow within another persons mind. It is successful, when the person decides that they will do the suggested action, but will honestly believe that the idea to do it was their own. Influence is never about controlling the behaviours of another person, rather it is about helping others realize a new perspective.

Hope this helps

SB

[Just Sara]

Hi and welcome Debz;

It's great to see you on the forum. I'm sorry to read of your confusion and struggle with relevance and self worth. A Dip in MH is a worthy pursuit towards your goal of outreach work. So is your change in attitude. I'm not sure about your link to professional psych help re relevance though. (?)

SB has given some food for thought, though I agree and disagree at the same time, so I hope my contribution can complement you both.

I'm more inclined to see your feelings of relevance as a means of (financial) empowerment importance to others, to feel valuable and 'safe' from life's hardships.

I once heard someone say; "You matter and are valuable beyond words just because you were born"

The idea we're supposed to be 'special' seems to be generated by corporate focus on power and marketing, with psychology and earning capacity at the core - to excel, thrive and own more than anyone else - to be 'big'.

If we don't fulfill these expectations, we feel like failures. However, a grain of sand is nothing on its own. It's sole existence is to be among other single particles and serves an important purpose. Therefore, nothing (or no-one) is irrelevant when you think about it. We're part of the whole...literally!

I'm relevant to my family, my local/national/world community as a woman and individual. Am I successful? What measures success? Money? Real Estate? Clothing? My looks? Fame?

I could go on Debz, but the reality of your situation is about opportunity, choice and achievement. It all begins with intent, goals and rationale.

My personal power, is that I have free will and the capacity to learn from mistakes. Everything I do, think or say is relevant on any given day whether I accept it or not; a grain of sand thrown into a lake still makes ripples.

Or, do you want to be a rock?

Now that I've had my philosophical rant, how do you feel about expressing yourself in greater detail?

Looking forward to hearing from you...

Sara