The Only Way Out is Through

There are many situations in life where I wish I could choose a different path. I wish I could scoot over my problems, wiggle around my health issues, and magically appear on the other side of my challenges. As I’ve learned many times, there isn’t always an easy way. You cannot simply snap your fingers or click your heels and appear on the other side of the mountain that is standing in your way. Sometimes, the only way out is through.

 I recently received an envelope in the mail from the Lymphedema center. I was nervous to open it. I just wanted to be able to push it aside and pretend that this never happened. After a while, though, I finally put my finger under the seal, ripping the envelope open. Inside I found a calendar with a months’ worth of appointments along with the usual new patient forms. Suddenly, it became even more real…and even more frightening.

I’ve been told that this next part of my journey will involve more pain and more time spent at the hospital on an outpatient basis. My old PT told me that I have a tough road ahead. My doctor reiterated, multiple times, how this will not be easy. She said that the new doctors and therapists will grab my leg and wrap it tightly, paying no attention to the amount of pain that I will be in. “They’re used to patients being in pain,” she said, saying that the only medication I’d be offered would be Tylenol for inflammation. Needless to say, I do not feel prepared for this tough road, but I’ve been given no alternative options.

The only way out is through.

I feel like my hands have been tied. There are literally no other options. Unless I want to sit and let my foot explode until no salvageable pieces remain (okay, that’s a bit extreme…but really. My foot is literally breaking open right now and leaking lymph fluid. Gross.), I have to do what the doctor ordered. I can only ignore it for so long.

My first Lymphedema appointment is this Thursday. While I wish I could close my eyes and forget that this never happened, I know that I must put on my brave face and fight on. None of this is easy. Nothing about having chronic illness is simple or fun. But we were never promised an easy road. Life is messy. It’s a crazy roller coaster ride that I often wish I could get off of, but the only way out is to go through the ups and downs, hoping that there will soon be an end in sight.

As Winston Churchill famously said, “If you’re going through Hell, keep going.” Instead of crouching down and hiding from this next obstacle, I must stand up tall, gather up my courage, and prepare to defeat this monster. If the only way out is through, then I’ll keep trudging on until I find myself on the other side.

{Photo Credit: Be Mindful and Fuel}

Just Ask

“You have not because you ask not.”

A lesson I’ve been learning a lot in this season of life.

Have you ever wanted something, but you were too scared to ask for it…so you never got it? Maybe a birthday present that you secretly hoped someone would get you, but you never said anything. Or perhaps a changed grade when you knew you had the right answer. Even just the idea of asking for help can be difficult, but costly if you try to do it alone.

The thing is, people don’t always know your needs and wants. They can’t just see into your brain and figure out exactly what you’re too scared to say. It’s up to you to be an advocate for yourself and just ask.

“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”-Nora Roberts

Lately I’ve had to ask for help on many occasions. Rides to volunteer activities, help with my homework, and even asking for someone to carry a dish in the dining hall when my hands are too full. Just this morning, I had to have a conversation with my Professor. I asked him if I could take an exam on Thursday, even though it is scheduled for Friday. I have an appointment on Friday and would rather go home the day before, so I gave it a shot. Normally I’m pretty passive and do things according to plan, but today I gathered up my courage and asked. I figured the worst that would happen is that he’d say no, but guess what? He said yes! After all my worrying, the problem was solved by the simple action of asking.

Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Be even more fearless when asking for what you need. People are usually willing to work with you and meet your needs, but they need to know what those are first. Take a chance, go out on a limb, and be bold. Ask, and you shall receive. What’s the worst that can happen?