Facing difficult situations in life, relationships, or health is only the beginning of the story of a life of wholeness. Many of our readers know that we received the news
of a brain tumor in December. The prognosis was that it was non-cancerous but needed to be removed and that there would be a significant recovery before me. The surgery took place on January 4, 2023, and these last months have been filled with physical therapy, ice packs, Tylenol, sleep, and reacclimating to work and life. These were trying times for our family as we faced the unknown.
Transparently speaking, the surgery was a piece of cake compared to the recovery. For those readers recovering right now, here are a few encouraging words and disciplines that have brought encouragement through these last months and kept the mind and heart focused in the right direction.
1. Give yourself a break. Realize that you will not be able to do everything being expected, or at least like you did in the past.
2. Make sure the right people are around you to give straight and honest answers. Because human nature tends to keep pain and difficulties personal, many will have impossible expectations though they do not mean to put a heavy weight on you. Personally, I am so thankful for my wife and other close friends who not only offer reminders to slow down and take the pressure off but also are willing to remind those around me to ease up and give recovery its proper time needed.
3. Constantly reevaluate what you are doing and if you can continue down that path. I am currently working towards earning a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. This degree and many other areas of life are on the table of reevaluation to see if this is the correct season to give the little energy I have. The goal is to stay with the program, but through prayer, good conversations with trustworthy friends, and an honest look at existing energy levels, a decision will be made whether this is the season to stay on this course or to hit pause. I am comfortable with either decision as I trust those around me and myself to make the best decision.
4. When you are tired, REST! This discipline is a goal I have, and at times need to be reminded of the importance of rest. When we are healthy, we are used to pushing ourselves beyond what may be healthy. There is no room for this kind of approach when we are recovering. Take the time you need to rest and heal well.
5. Place things in your life that feed your soul. Give time to family, self-care, reading, and faith. If you are not careful, instead of focusing on the most important things, all of your energy will go toward people, projects, or work based on other people’s expectations.
Sometimes being in recovery feels like time has stopped, and I am in a version of Groundhog Day where I repeatedly wake up and face the same difficult moment. Thankfully my doctors, my darling bride, and dear friends are watching me and sharing honest remarks about my recovery. Make sure you take the time to listen to these voices of truth and wisdom, as they will help renew your strength and bring hope into your daily path.
