One of my favorite authors, Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie and many other books) grabs me with his down to earth, yet thought-provoking quotes. “All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time” is so powerful and important as we settle into the New Year. The past two years have presented countless trials and challenges, losses and a sense of powerlessness. It is easy to forget we have so much in our half-full glass, have survived the challenges and losses, and do have unlimited power in our hands. This quote reminds me that as humans, we often focus only on what we see in front of us and miss all that is around.
As an Ostomy mentor, I see firsthand the fear and confusion felt by the newness of the situation. The first new obstacle in front of those I mentor is most often the ability to manage their appliance and supplies, food restrictions for the first few weeks, wardrobing issues, becoming mobile and able to leave the house with confidence.
As time goes on, the ability to enmesh with this new life creates an emotional adjustment, and that may be the greater challenge. I am well-prepared for this stage, having gone through many emotional challenges in my own life. I know firsthand that “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Supporting Ostomates as they accept and even embrace their new lives, is something that never gets old. Many call me crying, unable to utter their darkest and deepest fears and concerns, and by the time we finish our conversation, identify the specific reason for their anxiety, lay out a plan of action, the tears have vanished, and I envision the new Ostomate smiling, perhaps for the first time since their surgery.
Ironically, my ileostomy was not a difficult emotional adjustment, because I had battled a debilitating lifestyle for over two decades. But I did not know that the ending of my frequent surgeries and hospitalizations would result in the beginning of this incredible chapter of my life. Becoming involved in Ostomy Support Groups, the United Ostomy Associations of America, becoming an Advocate, working with the Wound and Ostomy Nurses in our medical center to create a dedicated Ostomy Center have all given me such purpose, as well as an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Sharing this with you in very important to me! Many of you are Ostomates, but many readers simply come to my blog for positivity. You do not have to deal with adversity or challenges to look to new beginnings. They are all around us. Make this the year that you are open, aware, ready to take advantage of something new, perhaps out of your comfort zone, a whim, a calling, whatever it is that feels like the “perfect invitation” at the perfect time, because it actually IS the perfect time.
Beautifully written. I too have read “Tuesdays with Morrie” and was moved by the novel. Change is a part of life and each change marks a new beginning. No one really likes change and one with an Ostomy is certainly a significant one. Your work in helping those accept this change is sorely needed and we all are indebted to you for your work. I, for one, may be leaning on you a lot one day…….
Love it! So inspirational as always, but this time exceptionally so Ellyn.
Thank you for all your positive energy, in your smile, in your voice and iif course through your writing. Happy , healthy 2022❤️
You always see the glass as half full!
I wish I could carry you around in my pocket!