Five Years and Counting

[mrdreamjeans]

As I updated my profile information today, I noticed that my 5th anniversary on Live Journal had quietly slipped by. My journal was created on August 11, 2003 on a visit to gotmoof in Wisconsin. I made an entry or two and then dropped from view. Beginning in March of 2004, I became visible again on this site; Live Journal has been a valuable resource for me ever since.

I've made some amazing friends here; those friends have stood by me during a huge period of transition. Thanks to each of you who provide me with daily inspiration, knowledge, constructive criticism, send me hugs and make me feel loved. The written word is powerful, oxygen to me. What a joy to share it with like-minded individuals!

To date, in my journal "Dreams in a Drawer", I have created 1,075 entries. I have posted 21,402 comments. I have received 22,366 comments. Thanks for being along for the ride!

Here's a question that is dominating my thoughts today. It's a theory proposed in a novel I just completed. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT OUR BIOGRAPHY BECOMES OUR BIOLOGY? My friends, I'd like your thoughts.

Big HUGS to all from Texas!

Comments

[heypyro.livejournal.com]

I think, that for many it does. If you went through something traumatic when you are young, that shapes who you are as an adult. It is only consciously that we can strive to change who we are, be better people.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think this also applies to our health. The choices we make earlier in our life, often come back to bite us in the butt as we age.

[bear-left.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah... put that way, I buy that.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. What did you say? I was looking at your icon:)

HUGS!

[allanh.livejournal.com]

I'm very proud to have such a handsome and gentle man as a friend, both on LJ and otherwise. :)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Allan! My life is better for knowing you.

HUGS!

[gryphons-hole.livejournal.com]

More so than our biology becomes the biography...

The concept that someone is hard-wired to a certain disposition irks me... "I can't help it, this is how I am..." Ugh, it makes my skin crawl.

I can always help it. It is a choice to stagnate and never evolve. I choose to grow and analyze and work to improve wherever seems fit.

[bear-left.livejournal.com]

Bingo!

[gryphons-hole.livejournal.com]

*bows*

Thank you.

I do my best.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Your final sentence is right on target in my opinion.

HUGS!

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

happy anniversary.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Paul!

[scottokc.livejournal.com]

Happy 5th anniversary! My LJ fifth anniversary is coming up on September 1.

I grew up in a very abusive environment. I am very overweight. I know that I use my weight as a barrier to keep others from getting close to me.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

So, essentially you are agreeing with the premise ... the things that happened to you earlier in your life have led to the "biology" that you live with. Do you think if you deal with the early chapters of your biographym that you will be able to bring down the barriers?

[scottokc.livejournal.com]

I guess I do agree. I was talking to my therapist recently about this, and there are lots of reasons that I ended up overweight. My mom's family was all overweight, so that's a factor. My mother and her mother used food as comfort, reward or a treat. I do catch myself doing "emotional" eating. (Eating when I'm sad or stressed.) It's hard to break those patterns. I lost quite a bit of weight 20 years ago, but I couldn't handle it psychologically, so if I did go on a weight loss plan, I'd have to work the psychological end of it as well as I do lose weight so that I don't gain it back again. Most doctors try to deal with just the physical end of weight loss, and a lot push the gastric bypass even though it's a dangerous and risky procedure. The long-term results are coming in on some of those procedures, and people are gaining the weight back because they don't address the psychological issues behind being fat. Sorry to get on my soapbox, but, as you can see, I have strong feelings about this.

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

I think that at any given time, we are the sum total of what we've been given to work with, what has happened to us, and the choices we've made. But it's also a balancing act - like log rolling - we readjust as we go along. And we write new chapters that then become part of the biography.
So yeah, I guess biography is biology - keeping in mind that 'biography' includes all the variables: given, fixed, AND volitional. It enables us to answer the question "Who am I?" [BTW, what was the novel?]

Congratulations on your fifth anniversary ! ... as you demonstrate in this post, you are rightful master of the thought-provoking post, and an artist of stimulating conversation. How blessed it is to be your friend!
BIG HUGS !

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

The novel was a bit of fluff, called The Same Sweet Girls. I picked it up for my mother to read, but I've decided not to give it to her, because of the sad ending. Mom's dealing with so many health issues, I don't think it's the right time to read a book about a woman (Corrine) who is abused and manipulated early in her life, never really rises abover her depression and ultimately dies of cancer. It's about friendship .. Corrine has the same five friends from college and they meet twice a year .. but her story is so sad.

I like your point that biology should include .. or make room .. for variables.

HUGS!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Given your description of the plot line, I'd say it's perhaps a wise choice not to give the book to your mother, at least not right now.
Good thoughts and best wishes to your mom.
... and of course to you, hugs!

[icejohn2.livejournal.com]

Happy 5th anniversary! Thank you for being here in LJ world so we get to read your interesting and inspiring posts. Like Joe above said, it is actually the natural born instincts combining with the enviromental elements (educations etc) to form the personality.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thank you! You make good points!

[twillhead.livejournal.com]

Happy Anniversary my friend! Well done! As to your question, I think that to some extent our biographies inevitably shape our biologies, but also, sometimes, vice versa. And I also believe that we can often alter the biology with a little courage and perseverance. I could go on ad nauseum about how David's death effected me psychically and, ultimately, physically, but I'll spare you all that (you're welcome). Big hugs!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Bruce! I do think that traumatic events can shape our biology. I look at the changes in my body, skin, general health, my habits, since I've been based in Texas and taking care of my folks. There is no doubt that these recent chapters of my biography reflect an accelerated aging because of my choices. I still think, though, that I can write a happier, healthier ending to the biography.

As to David, I can hear in your voice and words when we speak on the phone, that his death still affects you in a powerful way. I don't think that's bad. You've learned from that experience .. It shows me that your biography has been filled with love.

HUGS!

[labeartorycub.livejournal.com]

First of all, Happy Anniversary! I'm glad to be part of your life story.

Yes, I believe one's biography becomes one's biology, but that's based on my own life story. I do and don't do things based on personal experiences throughout my life. Being around death a lot and also having been a chaplain for a year in the county jail have shaped how I interact with certain people. They also continue to influence how I deal with my own demons, but that's an entirely different post.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

They also continue to influence how I deal with my own demons, but that's an entirely different post.

I look forward to reading the post.

HUGS!