Perspective

I’ve been reflecting on just how much has changed in the 4 weeks since my fibroid removal surgery. The time off from work, fundraising and training now feels like a gift in that I’ve not been distracted and been able to reflect deeply on life.

As I slowly emerge from this first phase of recovery, I feel like I’ve gained perspective on things and allowed my brain the rest it needed to be able to recognise new possibilities. But, most importantly, I’ve emerged with a strong sense of self, and I’ve realised the need to implement some key actions to help me achieve my goals.

Exercise my Agency

Life’s thrown me some pretty awful curveballs in the last decade, particularly when it comes to my health. But now, especially after this last surgery I feel like the world could finally truly become my oyster. I have the chance to live a life that’s no longer burdened by physical pain or restricted by the anxiety of not knowing when the next fatigue bout will hit. And now that this weight has been lifted, I feel there’s more freedom to plan and it’s simply wonderful!

Reinforce My Boundaries

I really struggle with reinforcing boundaries that I’ve set for myself at work and in my personal life and that has at times caused me more stress and anxiety. Saying no can sometimes feel like you’re being mean, unkind, or even lazy. But, by saying no, or not right now, you’re actually giving yourself the time and energy to create the space necessary to excel at the tasks in hand.

I’m guilty of becoming so used to being turned down or dismissed that when an opportunity presents itself, I feel rather foolish for considering and rejecting it rather that accepting. But I’m learning that it really does pay to examine things thoroughly, to see if they align with your vision, goals, and values before accepting. A kind no can often be the best course of action.

Protect My Energy

The first thing that can often spring to mind when people mention ‘protecting your energy’ is blocking out negativity or distancing yourself from negative and hurtful people. Now whilst this is a key element, I think it’s also important to actively seek out and surround yourself with people who challenge, educate, inspire, and encourage you. As you protect your energy, you make space for your character to grow making it easier to be gracious and kind even when a situation may not warrant it.

The End of the Story

As I was watching last week’s episode of Victoria I was struck by the storyline of how the Royal Exhibition and the Crystal Palace came into being.

Facing seemingly insurmountable financial and logistical obstacles with the construction of a pavilion to house the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park, Price Albert came to a breaking point and wanted to give up on the project.

Now whilst I empathised with his frustrations I wasn’t overly concerned because I know the end of the story. I know that Prince Albert and the committee managed to overcome many obstacles through their tenacity; their ingenuity, and their willingness to break the mould in spite of their critics and naysayers.

As the story unfolded I found myself pausing to reflect on my own incredibly daunting project. If I had a penny for all the naysayers, the doubts, the fears, and the obstacles I face daily, I think I would have enough to fund the expedition in its entirety. Like Prince Albert, I find myself feeling like giving up because of the strain of resistance; barriers to funding; the many impossibilities and the disappointments all seem insurmountable. But then I stop to think of some future reader of this crazy tale of a girl from the Caribbean who decided to ski to the South Pole to raise awareness on Lyme Disease despite her lack of skills, funds, and her blatant abhorrence of cold weather. I imagine that they will smile at my occasional feelings of hopelessness because they will know how the story ends.

I love how a period drama on the early reign of Queen Victoria has made me see things differently. It’s amazing how a change in perspective can shine a ray of hope into a seemingly hopeless situation. It makes me eternally thankful for these tough, character forming and priceless lessons that have become a part of my journey.

And so I’d like to leave you with the following encouragement. If you’re going through a particularly tough situation that seems utterly hopeless; if everyone is telling you that you’ll never get through this; if you feel like you’re at the end of your tether…..then TAKE HEART…You haven’t yet reached the end of the story!