Health Scars and How To Deal

January 4, 2018

As some of you may know, the health scares I faced during 2017 were major. The last six months of the year were filled with a ton of ups and downs. Downs that I was not at all prepared to handle, or so I thought.  I had two major health scares, three procedures that required anesthesia, and one trip in the ambulance to the emergency room. You can only imagine what those doctor bills look like. Not to mention regular doctor visits, random health issues due to my immune system being too low, the emotional distress that comes with it all, and the strain that had on my relationships. I was so frustrated but I realize that God is on my side and this is only preparation for what is to come.

If the health scares taught me anything it’s that I need to take care of myself first and foremost. Which includes regular visits to the doctor’s office and check-ups as directed. I used to be so afraid to go to the doctor because I was sure that doctors made up issues just to get our money. I know, I’m ridiculous. The truth is, going to the doctor and doing my checkups has better prepared me to handle what is to come. I now know better what my body needs and how to build it up. I know that rest, exercise, and eating healthy are extremely important for everyone. Not an optional thing when I felt like I needed to gain or shed a few pounds. Our inner self is most important. Did you do your check-ups in 2017? Do you have a plan to do so in 2018?

I want to encourage everyone to push beyond their fears of visiting the doctor or paying a large bill and go anyway! Get that check-up, find out sooner than later, take the time off of work, whatever it takes to make sure your health is under control. Fortunately, all of my issues this year were caught early enough to only require minimal treatment. I am still working on changing my diet and daily habits but I am optimistic that things will get better. And not only that, but I am optimistic that every scare that I’ve had, every diagnosis that I’ve received is going to help me to help others in the future. God’s plan for our life is bigger than our current circumstances.

I’m 25 years old and have been told that I have two chronic diseases and had to have another disease removed from my body. Talk about discouraging! Now I am reminded that in my struggle, in my frustration, God is preparing me for the next season. I am reminded that it is going to be next to impossible to help others if I haven’t experienced anything in my life. So opposed to looking at how much I have experienced at such a young age as a negative thing I am reminded that it is a great thing. God is preparing me at a young age to touch lives in ways that I’ve only dreamed of.

So embrace your struggle, trust your process, f (forgive) negativity, and learn the lesson. All of these things will prepare you for the purpose that God has for your life. Better is coming! You just have to believe it.

I share a little about one of my health scares here and here. I’ll be sharing more as the year progresses. Stay encouraged.

With love,

Your Friend