Not at all!
On the contrary, even: according to the author, his ability to rehabilitate himself was solely the consequence of his medical support. The patient’s determination plays a crucial role in their rehabilitation; however, the latter can only occur after intensive medical treatments, such as surgery, and is subject to their medical condition. Subsequently, specialized therapists will assist the patient throughout their rehabilitation.
However, the patient doesn’t passively “get rehabilitated” by them; it is the patient who actively rehabilitates themselves with their assistance. Healthcare professionals and the patient form a partnership, with the patient as the driving force. The patient rehabilitates themselves because they are motivated to ‘get through it’ and enjoy their life again.
Thus, RAL! suggests that the accident survivor rehabilitates themselves autonomously beyond therapy sessions. This involves a “rehabilitation routine” for which the principles are outlined.
RAL! is entirely founded on the rehabilitation journey of a life accident survivor who has “been there”, whose sole activity for 5 years was to rehabilitate and who succeeded.
This foundation enables him to offer an unvarnished, truthful message to other life accident survivors: “Here are the insights on rehabilitation that I have discovered through firsthand experience. I share them with you without any pretense to help you ‘get through it’ as I had to do.”
“Take charge of yourself!”
The life accident survivor is largely capable of taking charge of their rehabilitation, and it is in their best interest to do it. THEIR rehabilitation is primarily THEIR responsibility.
Of course, determining the extent and means of a patient’s rehabilitation can be very complex, which is why it is so valuable that doctors and therapists exist.
However, it is the patient themselves who determine: – On one hand, the effort they put into their rehabilitation exercises. – On the other hand, their rational rehabilitation goal (“rational goal” = a rehabilitation goal conditioned by their medical condition and the progress of their treatment).
It applies through an action-oriented approach to rehabilitation.
The physical condition of a severely injured individual is challenging. This situation should not be seen as a hindrance but as an additional reason to invest oneself in one’s own rehabilitation.
The traumatized individual should not view their rehabilitation as an uncertain obligation, but as an OPPORTUNITY that might not be there. Certainly, “To live, I need to rehabilitate myself,” but more importantly, “I am fortunate to be able to do it, and my rehabilitation can go a long way!”
In rehabilitation, the patient, assisted by therapists, has the opportunity to work on reducing the impact of a physical problem on their life. Therefore, RAL! suggests a highly active approach to rehabilitation.
Above all, by having a mindset entirely focused on one’s own rehabilitation.
Don’t worry about the technical aspects of rehabilitation. Trusted medical and paramedical specialists manage the “configuration” of the rehabilitation efforts of each patient.
Instead, have your mindset focused on the urge to rehabilitate yourself. Book 2 of Rehabilitate and Live! suggests this mindset.
There are actually two fundamental lessons:
- Provided that the patient is well accompanied by medical and paramedical specialists, rehabilitation is primarily a mental exercise. The patient’s mindset drives their motivation to rehabilitate, which in turn influences the entire rehabilitation process.
- Faced with nearly any problem related to a bodily function, there is a solution. This solution may not be easy to attain, may not be through the expected paths, and may not be the initially targeted one. But it exists. It is up to the injured individual to want to find it. If they truly want to, they will likely find it because their search is carried out under considerable pressure: their ability to live their life.
The two books of RAL! are intended for life accident survivors and are written for them.
However, they may also be of interest to an audience who does not suffer from a physical trauma:
– Book 1, an account of extensive rehabilitation, can be seen as a kind of “adventure novel” where the adventure is regaining the ability to live.
– Some suggestions from Book 2 about the mindset suitable for rehabilitation may be viewed as relevant for facing other life challenges.
RAL! bears witness to the success of a multifaceted, complex, uncertain, and very broad rehabilitation. This success exemplifies the power of rehabilitation when harnessed effectively to “get through it.”
Therefore, RAL! is a source of hope. It is capable of motivating or reinforcing motivation.