Growth Beyond Obstacles

Life has a way of throwing unexpected obstacles in our path just when we think we have everything under control. Over the past few weeks, I’ve experienced this firsthand. Despite my best intentions, life has shifted my focus, reminding me that growth isn’t linear and that prioritizing myself is an ongoing journey.

When I set out to blog twice a week, I was excited to document my progress, share my experiences, and reflect on the challenges and victories along the way. But then, life happened. My dad’s health took a sudden and severe turn, requiring him to be life-flighted from our local hospital to a larger facility for specialized treatment. It was an emotionally draining time for my family and me, filled with worry and endless prayers for his recovery. At the same time, I was deep in preparation for my upcoming surgery, officially scheduled at the Cleveland Clinic on December 19th. Managing the demands of a pre-surgery liquid diet, wrapping up my final semester of school, and conducting interviews for my capstone papers created a whirlwind of stress and busyness. Somewhere in all this chaos, I lost track of time—and, more importantly, some of my habits.

The Weight of Neglecting Myself

During this season of overwhelm, the habits I had worked so hard to build—daily steps, drinking enough water, regular workouts—fell by the wayside. My mind was consumed by everything and everyone else, leaving little space for the self-care I desperately needed.

For years, I’ve struggled with the tendency to put others before myself. It’s a natural instinct I developed as a people pleaser, constantly striving to meet the needs of family, friends, and anyone else who asked. What I didn’t realize until recently was the toll this habit had taken on my sense of self. In focusing so much on others, I had lost touch with who I was and what I could achieve. It became a bad habit, one that consumed my identity and left me unsure of my own worth outside of pleasing those around me.

Rediscovering Myself Through Therapy

This year, I made a powerful choice: I returned to therapy. It was one of the hardest and most transformative decisions I’ve ever made. Therapy has given me a safe space to unpack years of emotional baggage and learn the tools to prioritize myself without guilt. I’ve started setting boundaries and, more importantly, holding firm to them. For the first time in my life, I’m learning to let go of the guilt that comes with saying no, to prioritize my own needs, and to embrace the idea that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

I’m also learning to break free from the people-pleasing patterns that have defined so much of my life. It’s a slow process, but each step forward feels like reclaiming a piece of myself that I had forgotten existed.

Milestones Worth Celebrating

Amidst all the challenges, there have been moments of triumph that remind me of how far I’ve come. This spring, I earned straight A’s in my classes—a testament to the dedication and resilience I didn’t always believe I had. I was also accepted into a master’s program, a dream I once thought was out of reach. These milestones are proof that I am capable of achieving my goals, even when the path to them feels uncertain.

Another significant milestone has been my progress in the gym. Facing the stair stepper was an intimidating challenge at first, but I showed up with determination and pushed through the fear. Those small victories in the gym have translated into a growing sense of confidence in my ability to tackle obstacles in other areas of my life.

The Liquid Diet: A Month of Discipline and Growth

Preparing for surgery has added another layer of complexity to this season of life. As part of my pre-surgery regimen, I’m on a month-long liquid diet. This isn’t just about physical preparation; it’s a mental and emotional challenge as well. The diet requires me to replace meals with protein shakes, carefully choosing options like soups, sugar free drinks, and Atkins Protein Shakes. I’ve also committed to cutting out sugars and increasing my daily steps to 10,000—a goal that seemed daunting at first but is slowly becoming achievable.

The liquid diet has been a test of my discipline and determination. There have been moments of frustration and temptation, but each time I resist, I’m reminded of the strength and commitment I’ve cultivated throughout this journey. It’s not just about surgery; it’s about proving to myself that I can prioritize my health and make the choices necessary to create a better future.

Refocusing on Myself

Through the challenges of the past few weeks, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson: I can’t pour from an empty cup. Neglecting my own needs doesn’t just hurt me—it diminishes my ability to show up fully for the people I care about. Refocusing on myself isn’t selfish; it’s an act of love, for both myself and those around me.

Part of this refocus has been taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate my achievements. From academic success to personal growth in the gym, these milestones are reminders that I am capable of so much more than I often give myself credit for. I’ve also started to recognize the importance of grace—giving myself permission to stumble, to take breaks when I need them, and to approach each day as a fresh start.

Looking Ahead

As I approach surgery day, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This procedure is a significant step in my journey toward better health, and I’m determined to embrace it with gratitude and courage. The liquid diet, the pre-surgery preparations, and the emotional work I’ve done in therapy have all been building blocks toward this moment.

I know there will be challenges ahead—healing takes time, and old habits don’t disappear overnight. But I’m confident that the foundation I’ve built this year will carry me through. By prioritizing my own needs, setting boundaries, and celebrating my progress, I’ve discovered a strength within myself that I didn’t know existed.

Final Reflections

Life’s obstacles will always find a way to challenge us, but they also provide an opportunity for growth. The past few weeks have reminded me that even in the midst of chaos, it’s possible to refocus, realign, and move forward.

To anyone reading this who feels overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps, know this: it’s okay to pause, to take a breath, and to prioritize yourself. Your goals and dreams are worth fighting for, and the strength to achieve them is already within you.

Here’s to embracing the journey, celebrating the victories, and never losing sight of the most important person in the equation—you.