We make choices every day. Sometimes we choose not to make a decision which means something unfolds not necessarily to our liking. Through my illness and recovery I am finding out all sorts of things about myself regarding boundaries and inner authority. On occasion, we have to decide upon a direction in life and go with it. Other times, we find the choice propels us in a direction that is surprising.

I had been in recovery a couple of hours when a man came by, wanting to bring me to my room. I was a bit gnarly with him because at last memory the nurse said I was not stable. I was not going with him until I had clearance from a medical staff person. There I was, fog-brained, but fighting against the inconvenience of this man needing to wait longer than he thought necessary to transport me. I am not sure what his problem was but I knew that the direction he wanted to take me was not life-giving but rather life-endangering.

This was one of several incidents during my hospital stay that made me tap into my inner authority and trust my intuition. My surgeon had a lovely resident working with him who would swing by mornings to check in with me.  She guided me in thoughtful ways with her great confidence spilling over into my pores.  One night early on I still had a spotter when I did my walk in the hallway. He told me in a veiled way that I smelled. In retrospect perhaps he should have alerted a nurse that I was leaking some bodily fluids that most people will never do in their lifetime. As the resident plunked herself down for her morning chat, I was grateful she was alone.  Already we had established a good rapport so I had some questions for her. I mentioned the foul smell that I emitted some nights. She assured me that I did not smell but I asked about my drain cup leakage and we decided that better care was needed for that wound.

That same morning we discussed who I should be listening to. Some days I received conflicting advice. This lovely woman basically said I was the boss of me. I knew what was best so even though people told me what they thought I needed to participate actively. In today’s first reading, from Acts, the Lord tells Paul in prison: Keep up your courage!  This encapsulated what I would need to do. In my life, I have struggled with authority and the resident gave me permission to claim my inner boss. I was going to walk boldly in that direction.

Overall, the medical teams were great but the care was inconsistent on a busy ward. What I found is that I am a patient woman but I also am learning not to settle. I am grateful for the encouraging words from the resident, my surgeon and other staff who helped me navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence. I could collaborate with the direction I needed to go  in order to move forward on the road to health.

Have you claimed your inner boss yet?

Peace,

Suzanne