When Life Gets Tough…Hope and Resilience Get You Through
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
—Desmond Tutu
As I write this, I am recovering from major and complex neck and spinal surgeries. The surgeries are over, I am now finally out of the hospital and in an assisted living apartment near the hospital, where I will stay for the next couple of weeks until I am deemed fit enough to go home.
In truth, nothing could have prepared me for the surgeries.
Or how I was going to be feeling waking up in the Intensive Care Unit following eleven hours in the operating theatre, with metal hardware, bolts and screws in my skull and neck.
The days following surgery were tough, dark, hard and, in truth, horrid.
And yet, throughout it all, I felt no fear.
How was that possible?
I was fuelled by hope.
And I stayed connected to my why, i.e. the potential of surgery bringing me an improved quality of life, which will, in turn, produce an improved quality of life not only for me but also for my husband and all of our family, allowing me to DO more, BE more, be a better version of myself whether it as a coach and mentor, author and writer, daughter, wife, mother, step-mother, sister, friend, auntie, dog and cat mummy, or grandmother.
It is the light of hope – married together with internal strength and resilience- that got me through the surgeries.
And it is what is keeping me hanging on now.
Hope in the possibility of a reduction in my pain levels.
Hope in the possibility of a better quality of life.
Hope in the possibility of improved mobility, and a greater degree of independence.
Hope for a brighter tomorrow and future for myself, my husband and our family.
For with renewed hope, the magic of life still looks available.
With hope, fresh new opportunities and better times ahead remain possible.
And so the lamp of hope will remain for me firmly lit, as I move forwards on my healing journey.
I urge you also today, no matter how difficult or challenging your present circumstances may be, to ignite your lamp of hope within, guard it safely, and keep it burning.
Sending much love, grit, grace and continued strength to you.
Holding you also in my healing thoughts. May brighter times lie ahead.
It is the light of hope – married together with internal strength and resilience- that will help you get through the tough times.
PS: In need of some inspiration to give you a boost? Check out my Get Inspired Page for some free downloadable resources…
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