Wednesday's 'Thought of the day....'

THE UNKNOWNS What a topic huh? In our lives and WLS journeys which are part of our lives in a bigger way than we can imagine we face so many unknowns. We face fears and touch on just about every emotional feeling, thought, suggestion, idea etc and we often times allow those things to take over instead of taking each step as it comes and realizing that to get to the big picture we have to focus and be strong and brave in the face of adversity. What will life be like? What if I get denied? What if get through everything and surgery is canceled? What will I have to trade? How will I feel? What will I look like? Will I be able to eat again? Walk again? Play with my kids? What will others think? Will my family understand? What if something happens during surgery? What if I develop complications? WHAT IF???? WHAT IF??? WHAT IF??? We can tie ourselves up in the 'what if's' but we don't know the answers to ANY of those questions personally until we face those steps and questions and doing so step by step is the key. What will life be like? It WILL change, you'll grow, you'll learn, you'll get healthier, you'll feel better, you'll get off most or all your meds and more. You get denied and you don't give up. You come here and to fam/friends/supporters and get help. You keep fighting and arming yourself with knowledge and you will get there. So, if surgery is canceled its not the end of the world or your journey. It WILL be rescheduled, you WILL have it done but do we stop to think that there is GOOD reason(s) WHY? No, we often see the negatives. We have our eye on the prize and forget we've fought this long so we need to keep fighting. What will you trade? A lifestyle that is unproductive, tiring, frustrating, angering, saddening and so much more for one that is more productive, inviting, interesting, eye opening etc. How you'll feel??? Ask anyone even those folks will marked setbacks how they feel. In the words of a great band Staind "Everything changes." More stamina, more opportunities, more ***** more determination, MORE LIVING. What will you look like? YOU of course! You'll change but you'll be YOU. Will you be able to eat again? OF COURSE! It takes time, trial and error, learning, experimenting, changing habits and really and truly making choices that aid you in your recovery and successes. The list goes on with questions and concerns. There aren't any dumb questions or concerns only ones that aren't asked. Everyone is different yet we're very much the same with the trials, tribulations, ups, downs etc. The fact of the matter is PATIENCE comes into play here. No one LIKES waiting but its better than getting NO chance at all right? Try and put the 'what if's' to rest, focus not on the fears but the bigger picture reminding ourselves that although we face some challenges we are worth it, they are worth it and don't allow neggie thoughts to cripple your mood, lighting and attitude! All best!

Good post, Kat. Love the new avatar! Joe

Good am Joe! Thanks so much!

I love this "thought for the day" Kat....I think that often our What Ifs can paralyze us into no action at all. For me they run along the lines of....What if I can't make the necessary lifestyle changes? What if I fail at this? And that fear held me back from having the surgery for a long time.

But I'm learning that I can't know the future. God says he knows the plans he has for me, and they are for the good. So all I can do is pray and lean on Him and face it as it comes. My dad's favorite verse (ok, I don't really know if it's his favorite, but it's something that comes up a lot when we talk) is "Worry about today, for tomorrow will take care of itself" and that's really all we can do.

I'm figuring with the surgery there are also good What Ifs....What if I succeed? What if I can shop at regular stores? What if I can go to Kings Dominion and ride on an airplane?... and without it - well, I already know what that's like.

Plus, if we already knew everything that was going to happen that would be kind of boring, now wouldn't it? So here's to embracing our What Ifs....good and bad!

Good am Sarah! Glad you like it! Agreed whole heartedly. Two of the toughest lessons I'm STILL trying to master are letting go and letting God and patience. Fear to me is the master of ALL emotions combined. Its easy to get caught up in fear and its effects are terrible on our hearts, minds, bodies & spirits. That verse is something that inspires me as well as the Serenity Prayer (and another version I love dearly). RIGHT! See??? Positives! We HAVE to see them and not let the Devil persuade us otherwise. Agreed 100%! I'm good being curious these days! All best!

Kat - GREAT post!  I am one of those....fear of failure and unknowns that I can easily focus on the negatives of myself before looking at the positives.  Funny, because I will do the opposite with others - even those I do not like - but cannot do that with myself.  I'm getting better at it, though..... This lifestyle is so filled with the what-ifs can be nerve racking, and like life....is not consistent with everyone.   It's not like math where there is only one right answer.  This is more like....art appreciation (yes...we are ALL like works of art).  While there are theories and speculations as to what the artist meant, and why he chose the mediums he did, we all have our own opinions and differing views of the same picture. While there are rules that are followed, how we interpret those rules are different. So...as always...a great topic to get us through the week!

Good am Jill, Thanks! I am too STILL and I'm working hard on fears. I love your word picture using math to describe this and art. Its true for both! Hugs to you BIG TIME!

Good post! I copied it to be able to read over and over. Thanks !

Good am Jen! Good! You're welcome! Hugs.........

 Nothing more needs saying friend.