Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you gotta either hit it or strike out.
It all depends on your mindset and how much you let issues get the best of you. As writers we already have to fight with our fears and anxieties. But if you have health problems imagine how your anxiety can multiply. But put on your big girl pants and keep things moving. Your perseverance will pay off in the end.
Facing Surgery
This past Saturday, I was trying to get myself mentally prepared for the outpatient surgery on Tuesday. It was only foot and ankle surgery but I was still scared 😱.
I hadn’t been able to stand or walk on my own since 2021. There are all kinds of mobility devices littering my apartment. There’s also my big strong husband that keeps me from hitting the ground, but it’s just not the same.
I miss being able to hop out of bed and walk to the other room with my laptop in hand. Or the option of being able to get in the car and go to the library or park. Which were always my writing inspirational spots when I got stuck on a project.
Writing Through Adversity
Unfortunately, my body isn’t in that kind of shape anymore. I kept hope alive that once they had lengthened my tendon. Or whatever it is that makes my left foot not sit flatly on the ground, I would be good. I hope I’ll be able to stand, walk, and even jog a little.
In the back of my mind, the thought that nothing would get better has been plaguing me. But I ignored that little voice.
It’s the same little voice that keeps trying to convince me that I’m not a real writer. I’m only doing this thing because I can’t return to my good government job. Or like my aunt says, “You must be bored?” I say the devil is a liar. Despite what’s happening to me physically, my thoughts and dreams are in the best shape of my life.
Yes, I have doubts that the surgery will give me the results that I seek. But no matter what the outcome is I’m still going to keep moving. Whether on these MS legs pushing a walker. Or in a wheelchair or my Zeen mobility aid that helps me to stand like I am part robot. No AI jokes, please.
Overcoming Setbacks
At 3 am this morning, my anesthesia was starting to wear off. It was good that I had the foresight to take the pain med before I went to bed. Lord knows the pain would have been so much worse.
I was good though.
The pain woke me up, but writing put me back at peace (but not to sleep). I was thinking about ways I could come back from this setback.
The plan was to edit and schedule posts but I only managed to do the one for the day of surgery. No worries because I don’t feel as bad as I anticipated.
Like I’ve been saying the last few months, “Don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams, not even you.”
And I don’t plan to.
Conclusion
How about you? What obstacles are you having to overcome along with your quest to be the best writer you can be?
This is a story of the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles. Both in writing and in life. Here are key takeaways from my journey:
- Mindset Matters: Your attitude shapes your outcomes.
- Facing Challenges: Confronting fears and health issues head-on builds strength.
- Writing Through Adversity: Creativity can be a sanctuary during tough times.
- Overcoming Setbacks: Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Pursuing Dreams: Don’t let anything, even doubts or health challenges, hinder your path to success.