Day 3: #GratitudeWritingChallenge

My best friend has been listening to me for weeks talk about how grateful I am for the support of the team I’ve lined up to get my health back on track. Much like the g-tube situation, while I’m very grateful to be in a position where I can afford to pay all the people who make up my team (physical therapist, trainer, chiropractor, massage therapist, EMDR therapist, etc.), the gratitude has been accompanied by nagging thoughts of all those who go without the support they need because they don’t have the necessary resources. Without good insurance and cash flow, not to mention time & availability, think about how many people get stuck and then things just compound and their lives never improve. Some of you reading this probably fit this description. I’m incredibly fortunate that my employer supports my overall health and allows me to take long “lunches” at odd times during the work day to go to these appointments. This cycle of being grateful for what I have and wanting to help those who are stuck continually fuels itself and it has become quite energizing and insightful. My hope is that I will eventually be able to take from my experience and help the community in some way. But more on that later. Much later. Once I figure it out. 😉 I am so grateful for those who support me and for the journey itself.

The other day, someone asked what you would tell your younger self. For me, it would be TRUST THE PROCESS. The process of this health journey has been fascinating and beautiful. My process has included lots of people. Through conversation and through time spent with specific individuals at each step, the process keeps unfolding itself.

When my physical therapy started to peter out, the supervising physical therapist (the owner of the clinic) sat me down and told me I was likely not going to improve unless I cooled off my fight or flight reflex. I shared this with a friend of mine who happens to be a therapist. I was sharing as a friend, but the therapist in her said, “Uh, yeah, you do. You don’t have to experience a natural disaster or be abused in any way to experience trauma. Call this guy and ask about EMDR,” and so I did. We have just started, but I feel immensely supported by him and I think he’s a critical piece to this journey.

Another friend is my sounding board. She listens and supports me emotionally and provides me with sciencey information. She connected me with a friend of hers who is a personal trainer who I’m helping with some marketing of his new business. This got my wheels turning so I asked my chiropractor what he thought about replacing physical therapy with a personal trainer. He recommended one to me. Before meeting with her, I had the guy I just mentioned vet her credentials. Green lights all around so I pulled the trigger and we’ve been working together for about a month now. She is so smart and compassionate and easy to click with so I enjoy our sessions (well, sort of). By pushing me and teaching me and listening to me, she is supporting me in reaching my goals in a safe and strategic way.

I’ve got a 7-day routine now which my husband fully supports. He helps me make time to do the work I need to do without complaint. And he listens to me talk about what I’m learning and what my goals are. And he supports my interest in helping the community in some way, even though that might mean more work for him with the kids and the household. He is showing up for me and that feels amazing. Without his support, NONE of this would be happening.

I could go on and on, but what’s apparent to me is I could not do this on my own. The support that comes naturally from family and friends and the support I pay for are critical to this journey I am on. I am grateful for it all.