THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

HEALTH



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HELPFUL TIP:

Your story's theme is its central message to readers and can be reinforced with specific symbols and motifs pulled right from the setting. Additionally, symbols woven into a scene can underscore your character's emotions, establish mood, and even generate conflict. Explore your story theme thoughtfully and use associated symbols to do more with less.
NOTES:
While health can encompass many aspects of who people are, this entry will focus on the ideas and themes associated with physical health.

THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
The mind is a powerful tool for healing the body.
It's never too late to start taking care of yourself.
Good health tends to be taken for granted until it's gone.
Our challenges make us stronger.
Being fanatical about anything, even health, can be dangerous. 
"Healthy" looks different for different people.
Outward appearance doesn't always indicate health.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
I don't know how to be healthy.
I have to be able to control everything.
I'll never be happy unless I attain X goal (weight, body mass, caloric intake, etc.).
I have no willpower.
If I tell anyone the truth about what I'm going through, they'll reject me.
I have to follow this regime to the letter or else I'll fail.
I have to be perfect.
My poor health is my fault.
I don't have a chance—I'm going to end up exactly like my parents.
It's too late for me to do anything about this.
Being healthy isn't worth the effort.
We're all going to die anyway; might as well enjoy life.
People are unhealthy because of their poor choices.
I have to convert others to my new way of life.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
ADDICTIVE, COMPULSIVE, CONTROLLING, EMPATHETIC, EXTRAVAGANT, IGNORANT, INATTENTIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, KNOW-IT-ALL, MORBID, OBSESSIVE, PERFECTIONIST, SELF-INDULGENT, VAIN, DISCIPLINED, HONEST, MATURE, OPTIMISTIC, PERSISTENT, STUDIOUS, SUPPORTIVE

WOUNDS THAT MAY SHAPE A CHARACTER'S PERSPECTIVE:
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CREATIVE WORKS THAT EXPLORE THIS THEME:
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NATURAL SYMBOLS FOR THIS THEME:
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HUMAN & SOCIETAL SYMBOLS FOR THIS THEME:
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SYMBOLISM EXAMPLES IN STORIES:
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