Learning to Breathe (Again)
In 1990 I had a challenging job at a big brand, an amazing two-year-old daughter and loving family, and both lungs. Less than two years later, I had lost two-thirds of my right lung to a rapidly growing tumor and my father died suddenly at 64 as a result of an aortic aneurism.
Three years ago I lost my younger brother at 58 to cancer. I never used to talk or write about my losses. It felt indulgent and self-pitying.. I had ignored my own symptoms while building my career and until my lung collapsed, I refused to believe I had a problem.After my health issues and my father’s death, I jumped right back on the corporate hamster wheel, had a second child, and told everyone around me that I was “fine.” In retrospect, I was far from OK and the sadness simply hit me years later like a polluted tsunami. Cry and reach out to others for support. By the time my brother died , I knew better and felt less compelled to sport my big girl pants — letting those close to me know that I was hurting and graciously accepted hugs, flowers, and shoulders to lean on. I learned through that experience who my true friends were too.After my lung surgery, I was presented with a little plastic device to breathe into. The goal was to get the top part as high as possible as my lung reinflated. I now hike, spin, run through airports, and do all kinds of other things that involve exertion. Although much of that happened years ago, the lessons I learned have stuck with me. When I become too consumed with stress, deadlines, and people who sweat the small stuff, I teleport myself back to my days in the ICU. I look at my fading “wraparound scar” and remind myself that without one’s health none of the rest really matters and that we should savor every day. But perhaps even more important, I think about that little plastic device and how it helped me heal. Learning to breathe again after any loss is possible — and necessary.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vanessa Williams Reflects on Family and Milestones, Offers This Advice for Young Entertainers (Exclusive)Williams opens up about seeing her four children 'thriving' and looked back at her many successes and career milestones.
Read more »
The Grenfell inquiry lays blame at the feet of the fire brigadeThe fire brigade's institutional failings were laid out in agonising detail, starting with failure to learn from previous fires
Read more »
This Solo Dining Trend Is Changing the Way People EatWhat we can learn from 'honbap,' Korea's viral loner culture.
Read more »
Why Do My Lungs Burn When I Run in the Cold?Dry air and arctic temps can make breathing feel like a struggle. This Boston-based run coach shares how to cope.
Read more »
Even In The iPhone Age, Funko's Fast-Moving Toy Business Is Thriving
Read more »