Blog #712: My Bare Bottom Hospital Gown

I match my writing to what’s going on in my life.
It doesn’t get much more real time than this.

In 20 minutes…
I’m having triple-hernia surgery.

______

It’s Wednesday morning at 9:15 a.m.

This blog goes out to the Internet Universe in 24 hours.
I’m starting to write it now under unusual circumstances.

In 20 minutes…

I’m going into surgery.

Before I get wheeled into the operating room, I’m recording this blog on my phone as I lie in this high-fashion medical gown trying to cover my naked butt.

______

All the key people who will be in my surgery stopped by to chat.

My talented, trusted, cool, and ponytailed doctor (now covered by his surgical mask) just left our conversation. However, I’m not sure if I can remember much of what he said. I’m a tad anxious and VERY aware of what is about to happen.

But I do remember this.

My doc knows me, so I asked him more out of fun than anything:
“How soon can I carry a backpack?”

In a far more serious tone than he teased with in our pre-op meeting a few months ago:
“I’m hoping you give it at least 30 days.”

I replied with a grin:
“That works for me! I have nothing booked. YET.”

Into surgery I now go.

______

I’m out.

It’s the same Wednesday.

It’s been nine hours since I started writing this morning.

Since this blog is about “real life motivation without the hype,” I’ll painfully confess that my guts hurt, and my stomach and abdomen feel as if they’ve been stapled together 20 times.

I would bet on me to come in last place in a race with snails.

But it’s done.

I can now heal, and I can now legitimately think about walking across country #10. I’ve been blocked from sincerely digging deeper into that thought because walking 15+ miles a day for 3-7 weeks, carrying a 20+ pound backpack on my shoulders, and babying three painful hernias made the thought more of a sweet fantasy than a real dream.

But after today…

The fantasy has turned real.

Again.

______

So what crumbs am I sprinkling on life’s path for you today?

Hidden in this blog of surgery rooms, triple hernias, and open hospital gowns is a quiet message.

It’s about having BIG goals.

If one of yours seems extra hard, you absolutely have the option of leaning into your weaker self… and telling yourself a small white lie.

“The goal never really mattered to me anyway.”

Or…

If you truly want to maximize your experience during your short time on earth, send your weaker self a stronger message.

“Hush up!”

And then…

Take on your brilliant BIG goal challenge, put in the hard work required to succeed… and get to where you want to get.

______

22 hours after my surgery?

It was a tough night.

BUT…

I can authentically again carry my passionate BIG goal.

Take a very longgg walk.
Through the jungles.
Up and down ten mountains.
In a country I do not know well.

And as I cast that goal out into the Internet, I also make this promise.

“I’ll write to you about it when I get there.”

With continuing gratitude for my chance to walk my talk…

S.

(Audio version)