I loved when a new friend used this expression, her beloved mother Beatrice’s words. What a simple, yet important thought. Try something, take a bit of a risk, step outside your comfort zone, and go for it. All things are presented to us every day, perhaps multiple times a day. And yet, we define ourselves and our reactions to things, like ”I don’t do that,” or “That isn’t me.” We are actually saying we are fearful, and that fear denies us our power. What a small box we create for ourselves, one that perhaps makes us feel safe, but prevents us from experiencing more in life.
Pondering this made me reflect on another expression I recently heard; this one goes even a little deeper, wider. “Know the unknown, hear the unheard, see the unseen.” Once again, we must push ourselves, empower ourselves to “try” new things, meet new people, extend our scope, and visit new places, if only in our minds!
As an ostomate, I know that many are frightened of attending a Support Group, trying new appliances, learning new techniques and coping skills, revealing their status as one with an ostomy. Many of us deal with a myriad of other health issues which require “knowing the unknown” every day. We have “seen the unseen, heard the unheard” and can share with others how successful they have been in navigating a new life.
Attending “Try School” regularly, particularly as I advocate for more for the ostomy community is a calling I embrace. Each and every new ostomate gets my full attention since I know how difficult it is for one to reach out to a stranger and ask for help. The very fact that he or she is attending “Try School” brings us closer. Our goal is the same, to create a better life for the ostomate. I can help to do that.
Perhaps you feel fearful of trying something new, or walking into a room of strangers, or making conversation with people you have just met. I support you for trying, for knowing the unknown, for hearing the unheard and seeing the unseen. You may find someone quite wonderful to broaden your world, and you may feel thrilled that you were successful in pushing yourself to a new and heretofore unimagined height. You have tried and you have succeeded. Congratulations on a job well done…are you ready to “try” something else?
I saw Stacy at Barnabus today; she was magnificent in suggestiong new and informative ideas, just as you always are.
I was planning on staying home for a while, but her encouragement to take a trip to the DR now has motivated me to try something I have been fearful for a while, and that is to maybe take a trip out of the country again tomorrow or real soon.
AS ALWAYS, thanks for help from both of you!!!