Embracing Life's Limitations

We all face challenges in life. Why is it that some people find ways to overcome their challenges, while others completely self-destruct? Even as adults, our childhood traumas creep up and stymie our chances for happiness. Told through remembrances and responses, this memoir opens the door to finding life's joy, even when life becomes overwhelming. Whether we come from a home with a distant, emotionally disconnected parent, have changes in a progressive disability, are...
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We all face challenges in life. Why is it that some people find ways to overcome their challenges, while others completely self-destruct? Even as adults, our childhood traumas creep up and stymie our chances for happiness. Told through remembrances and responses, this memoir opens the door to finding life's joy, even when life becomes overwhelming.

Whether we come from a home with a distant, emotionally disconnected parent, have changes in a progressive disability, are diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, or suffer financial losses that are beyond our control -- resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are the traits that lead us to a happy and fulfilling life.

As children, we are told we can achieve any goal if we just try hard enough and don't give up. Television commercials tell us this. Motivational speakers tell us this. Often, our own parents tell us this. The harsh reality is that, sometimes, we choose goals and paths that are beyond our physical, emotional, financial, or intellectual abilities. We all have limitations, whether or not we choose to acknowledge them.

There are thousands of things in our universe that can make us feel valuable, worthy, needed, and successful. By learning to adapt to life's inevitable upheavals, we can start to embrace life's limitations, and stop worrying about who other people think we should be.

For most of my adult life, I have been "mobility-enhanced" -- meaning I use assistive devices to get around. Doesn't that sound better than saying I use an upright rollator, dual canes, or hiking sticks to get around?

After 19 reconstructive surgeries on my hips and legs, I have many "battle scars" that I consider to be reminders of the determination and perseverance my life has required. These scars are a symbol that I can meet the challenges that life inevitably places in our way.

Most recently, I've battled with Stage 3 cancer and chronic radiation enteritis, which is when radiation treatments destroy a section of your intestines/bowels and burn them beyond viability.

After multiple hospitalizations over eight months for life-threatening bowel obstructions, which included a five-month stint in hospice, a wonderful surgeon stepped in and removed one-third of my lower intestine/bowel; a surgery that saved my life. I now have five more "battle scars" from my radical hysterectomy, small bowel resection, and ileocecectomy but that seems a small price to pay for saving my life.

I'm enjoying the future I never thought I'd have with hopeful anticipation. Who knows what the future may hold? I can't wait to find out!