Today things were hard around my health issues. I found myself either on the phone, messaging doctors or scheduling medical tests majority of the day. Around dinner time, while having a heart to heart with Jeffrey, he said something that really resonated with me – you have to leave it on the field.
When something consumes you
Whether it’s health issues, work or something else, it’s easy to get in the way and feel like it consumes you. In my case, my health issues feel very consuming lately. When I’m not on the phone or in the office with doctor’s, I’m experiencing symptoms while trying to rest. Sometimes I experience them while at the doctor’s office.
When something consumes you it’s easy to feel like it takes over your life. It’s easy to feel like it is completely overwhelming.
It’s hard to find any relief when you’re constantly facing whatever is staring you in the face. It’s also hard to find time to relax and reset because it can follow you wherever you go.
But when something consumes you, it’s not your own agenda anymore. You’re on whatever “it” is’ time.
When something consumes you, you have the power to set boundaries and fight it off.
Leave it on the field
While I was sharing all of my doctor updates with Jeffrey tonight, I was expressing my frustration of what seems like a never ending situation with no answers.
We talked about how this is a brand new experience for me. It’s all new because 1. I’ve never had to deal with these sort of health issues before and 2. I have to go to every appointment alone due to COVID.
While I’m thankful to have a team of doctor’s around me, it also takes a toll when you have seven doctors appointments within days of each other and you’re trying tokeep everything straight.
As we were talking, I mentioned how I can’t let this consume my entire day. Everyone needs a break, no matter what it is. At the same time, when it’s your health, it’s hard to take a break because the issue is staring you in the face.
Jeffrey then said sometimes “you just need to leave it on the field.” I’m not sure why, but in that moment it clicked. It was the perfect analogy.
I sure am not going to be talking to doctors after hours unless there is some sort of emergency. At the end of the day, I just need to leave it on the field.
The importance of having someone to process with
While the leaving it on the field is important, everybody needs somebody as well. It’s so important to have someone to process with.
Life is too short and can be so hard, use the resources around you. In my personal situation, I wouldn’t have seen a few of the doctors I have if it weren’t for having someone to bounce things off of.
When you’re in a position of needing to leave it on the field, there’s a good chance you’re not thinking clearly to begin with.
Having someone to process with not only allows for a second opinion, but also for better decision making in next steps.
No matter what you’re going through, look at the resources around you. Who do you trust? Those are the people you want to bounce ideas off of…Or even just vent to! In my case, it calms my nerves and helps me take action in next steps.
Summary – leave it on the field
If this season of life is hard for you, remember to leave it on the field. There is no reason to punish or exhaust yourself 24 hours a day and make things worse.
If you’re looking for a friend, reach out to me.
