I was making the final changes in my book, SO MUCH MORE THAN MY OSTOMY: LOVING MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT BODY, which I can’t wait to share with you in the near future, and an important concept jumped out to me. I write about creating a toolbox for each of us in order to cope with life’s challenges. We all have them, and that is why when I was writing my book, I did not limit my thoughts or writing to ostomy concerns. There are countless medical, sociological, physical, emotional, well, you get the idea…the list continues to grow. We all need a toolbox in order to be empowered when these challenges present themselves.

One of the tools I discuss is obtaining knowledge. We live on the information highway, and as such, have infinite knowledge at our fingertips. Simply thinking about something may yield the answer or definition within seconds. I always tease that our phones, small as they are, are large enough to be our atlas, dictionary, full set of encyclopedias, yellow pages, clocks, calendars, stopwatches, banks, etc. This is incredible, and it was as foreign to me as a child, as not having it available is foreign to children today.

There are, however, things to consider. Sometimes, we have access to too much knowledge, and it may be either incorrect or overwhelming, particularly where medical issues are concerned. We may be sourcing information about a diagnosis, and by the time we have jumped from one website to another, we have not only decided we are in a terrifying situation or that we can ignore our symptoms. Neither is to our benefit! My recommendation is to use your best judgment when “surfing the net” for medical direction, and look to the professional for the ultimate guidance.

Back to my hammer. Walking the area in a hardware store is exciting if you are interested in the myriad of hammers. According to what I have googled, there are at least 23 different types, from an electrician’s hammer to a sledgehammer, a drywall hammer, a ball pein, and on and on, and each has several variations of its own. Oh, my goodness, I am already so confused and overwhelmed, might even walk out of the store, feeling quite powerless. How would I know which will work for my needs? Exactly my point! Sometimes, regardless of all the options available, we simply need a hammer…just a hammer. The metaphor? Know your symptoms and/or diagnosis, and let the professional, guide you. It is not your responsibility to know everything about your situation, just that you need help. In the end, that will be best for you or the one in your care. Letting go can, many times, be better than attempting to take control!

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