What was I expecting?
to be different...to be perfect...
What was I expecting?
Did I really think Jeff would bounce right back after chemotherapy treatment, play with the kids like before, and wake up each morning ready to go? Confusion, impatience, and frustration for Jeff's lack of progress made me crazy. I noticed my negative thoughts getting the best of me and affecting our relationship.
As a physical therapist, I knew and understood that healing wasn’t linear. It would take time and effort for Jeff to regain his strength, stamina, and activity level. I was ashamed that I was expecting him to be different.
Why am I struggling so much?
I should be relieved, and happy. Jeff was in remission. I should be grateful.
I was in a tangle.
I needed help.
My therapist who I’d had such a great relationship with moved. I had to begin again. I linked up with someone for two sessions and found it wasn’t a good fit, so I returned to the drawing board.
I noticed my thoughts—I can figure this out myself, I don’t need help. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. There goes the old pattern of mine thinking I can do it alone.
To be continued…(until next Wednesday)
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If you have read the book I would love to know what resonated. What questions do you have? Let’s set up a time to meet on Zoom or if local let’s meet over coffee/tea. I would love to hear from my readers.
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Take good care.
Julie
Yes, expectations
Create much disappointment
Unless there’s a plan….
In physical therapy I suspect specific expectations are set after a clear understanding is established between therapist and patient. Then the plan is implemented as the hard work to recovery begins. In 52 years of marriage, I have been disappointed from time to time. And when I have the courage to voice my disappointment my wife is genuinely surprised and reminds me that she cannot read my mind. She is right. Clear communication is always the key. That also takes courage and vulnerability. Relationships have so much to teach if we are willing to learn…
😘😘😘