I’ve grown to be pretty adaptable over the years, as it’s proven to be necessary – – you just can’t predict what’s going to happen in your own world, and being able to bounce back and tackle challenges around you is necessary for emotional survival. As we get older, odds are we’re going to be hit with the unexpected – – and I’m not talking about winning the lottery, or getting a promotion at work, or one day waking up and being in prime physical shape. As we get older, we’re more likely to have people in our cohort who are getting divorced, widowed or have an unfortunate health diagnosis. Stay with me, I’m going somewhere helpful here.
In 1999, when I was pregnant with my son Adam, I did have quite the surprise – – my husband was found to have a brain tumor. We were very fortunate that it was a meningioma, as the surgeons said, if you have to have a brain tumor – – this is the kind you want. Still, it was quite terrifying.
Over the years, people have asked me how did you manage that, how did you get through that – – with three teenagers, a toddler and seven months pregnant? I just shake my head and say I don’t know. Failure was not an option. Giving up, what would that even mean? We just powered through it. There were so many unknowns, associated financial difficulties, Jay couldn’t drive for 6 months—-but we just had to be the strongest version of ourselves.
Why am I even writing this? I think it’s just because I talk to so many people, and they often tell me their problems – – they are real health problems, financial struggles, the cost of housing, the cost of utilities, everything in general. A lot of people are struggling.
I’ve got it for a few other stories this month related to some of these areas, practical stories – – reducing your electric bill, locating food pantries, fuel assistance – – I truly just want to be a resource for people.
Then the other day while I was cleaning the kitchen and not really into any specific musical vibe, I decided to listen to whatever my favorite podcaster Mel Robbins had going on. On this episode, it happened to be that she was interviewing Dr. Tara Narula, a very highly credentialed cardiologist and stress expert, about the power of resiliency and why it’s so important.
Now, if you know me, you know I am not into the woo-woo, and I’m not a believer of anything that involves manifestation in a magical way. However, I’ve always lived, by default, as a helper, and as someone who embraces the positive when it’s realistic. I’m going to share the podcast episode here. And just like anything, it doesn’t line up 100% for me, but it took some good nuggets away from it, and I hope you do as well.
