One very hard lesson for me in learning to deal with challenges was asking for help.
As I grew into the classic Warrior Queen, I became strong, independent, stoic – facing the world with a smile in place and turmoil inside.
It took being unable to bathe or dress myself after surgery to make me realise that I was not invincible. Sometimes I would have to give up control.
Showing my vulnerability was very, very hard for me.
But I have been learning….
So this time, as soon as I could pull my mind together I wrote to some of my friends and told them what was happening and asked for their support.
The outpouring of love and support brought the first wave of tears – of gratitude, of relief.
I exhaled and relaxed.
Some offered practical help. Like my friend in Jamaica, a medical doctor, who – without saying anything to me – consulted with some her colleagues in Oncology and came back with a detailed prescription for what I should do. This allowed me to have an informed conversation with my doctors here and as a result the decision to go to the USA for treatment has been put on hold.
Not only this but one Jamaican Oncologist (western trained) sent an exact list of alternative medicine that I should take. All my intuition agreed. I am really tired of all the chemo/ radiation/ drugs. I have only recently started this regime so I can’t tell you the outcome as yet. But I feel just great.
And then there was my friend who kept sending great music and connecting me with people who could help ……
There have been many other instances of support that have provided a hammock of positive energy and love. Stay tuned for more.
The short video below just about sums it up: Sometimes you need friends to get over an obstacle – Radio Foorti
If you like this please share with anybody you think might resonate with it. And I really appreciate your comments.
If you have not yet seen the first two episodes of Living in the Question Mark go here:
https://thinkittalkit.com/living-in-the-question-mark-1/
https://thinkittalkit.com/living-in-the-question-mark-2/
Very inspiring, Cheryl. I find loving support from friends and even strangers at times extremely helpful. It reminds me that we are all connected, we are all one, so that nothing that happens to us ever happens in a vacuum. We are never truly alone, even when we are the only person in the room (or the only person for miles around). I’m thrilled that you were able to get some really good advice on alternative treatments and I’m eager to hear how they help. Sounds like you’re doing really well. Always remember there is strength in vulnerability. Love you!
Your loving support is a critical part of my safety net.
Thank you so much Katy!
Your Comments
Dear Cheryl
Your missives are getting better as I sense that you are beginning to ‘let go’ and put yourself in a comfortable, relaxing ‘hyprespace’.
What i take out of today’s story is that ‘the strong ones ask for help’. It dovetails nicely with what I recall from Pope Francis’ recent tour of Cuba and USA.
At the end of each of his many public appearances, he would say to the faithful “Remember to pray for me, please.”
I am so grateful for your encouragement and support!
I have come quite a way from looking at asking for help as weakness….
Thank you.
Cheryl are always an inspiration to me in the way you deal with your challenges, your positive mindset and your determination. The light is already shining for you!
Thank you so much Pamela!
Love and light, Ms. Mckenzie – Cook. Wishing you courage and determination for overcoming and complete healing.
Thank you so much Camille!!
Wow! Powerful stuff. And all I can do is remember those times when I did not even have the ability to identify the help that I needed, or even to articulate that I did need help (January ’96 comes to mind), and you were there. Thank you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Iain, most of the time I can’t identify what help exactly I need although I am getting better at that. The secret was to get to the place where I was willing to admit that I DID need help.
After that I simply send out a Help!!!! message to the Universe. It continues to amaze me what happens next.
And I am so grateful that was able to support you.