Advocacy and Rest
October is a month where Breast Cancer Awareness and Pregnancy & Loss Awareness compel individuals to “break the silence” in support of warriors, survivors as well as those whose battle called for a different type of victory. Last month Pernicious Anemia/Vitamin B12 Deficiency Awareness Week and Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness month captivated the attention of persons who know the journey or have a loved one or friend impacted by either form of anemia. Being a fighter, warrior, overcomer in its own way, such awareness has allowed a form of appreciation that a diagnosis doesn’t have to limit nor define you.
Yes, God allowed this to also be an example of Courage-Life-Soul through advocacy. Advocacy became dear to me after going through the unrelenting cycles of medical concerns until my body set its new rhythm. Advocacy for health in all forms (physically/medical, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, financially, and socially). It was a cycle of learning, adjusting and leaning into fully trusting God to navigate the process. It was difficult for me to “feel bad” or think my situation was “serious”. Partially, because I knew people who were enduring “real” life challenges in loss, and I didn’t want to seem like my circumstance was “major”. But therapy, taught me dumbing down and shrinking back is not the answer. No one situation or circumstance can be weighed as more significant or less important, especially if it is not visible. There was serenity to embrace people are human beings who are individuals that should extend grace to themselves regardless of what society deems to be “major” or “minor”. Life is personable and each journey is personalized according to God’s story for you to learn and glen from the triumphs of others who have overcome any struggle.
Whew, I could breathe without feeling “guilty”. It was okay, to advocate. Survivors guilt is real. I can remember during a medical visit a provider turned friend saying to me, “Don’t dumb down your journey. You are here and that is a story of God being a miracle worker, because you know/we know where you were.” The invisible factors can make it seem ‘nothing is wrong with you’, but this is not in your head. We are happy we could help get to the root and identify the culprit.” Transparent Moment: There are still moments where survivors guilt pops up, but I understand it is okay.
Breathing again, inhaling and exhaling without being consumed with “what this looks like”. Creating personal declarations, “Breathe it is not my job to convince anyone.” Advocacy opened a new door in my life offering a broader perspective that we cannot and may not always “see” what is happening within an individual. Guess what? That is okay, too. I mean we all subconsciously know this, but cognitively applying this perspective is where it speaks truth to power.
Honestly, I wrestle with sharing parts of my journey, but through life challenges I am reminded this could help others advocate who also have invisible matters that are not always for a public display. Yes, when I am up, I am up. But when the crash comes it hits often when no one is watching. Hard to explain, not easy to push off. Listening to your body, advocating for your health and remembering it is okay to REST. Through this journey advocacy has taught me it is okay to make time for your well-being. Wellness does not have to be solely confined to mental factors, but a total person approach to care. Physically acknowledging and minding the limits does not have to make one weak or if a person of faith weak. In my journey it has produced quite the opposite response, it has echoed a sentiment of grace, passion and determination to not live according to what makes sense on the outside. Yet honor what God is making room for within to just be and let Him fight the battles as He renews my strength through REST. REST from not having to force myself or push beyond limits that would lead to extreme fatigue. REST to be at peace with not questioning the journey. REST to let grace and mercy lead me into new territories. REST to know that it is all in His plan, not permissive, but His perfect and good will. REST to know that advocacy inspires and gives courage to persevere through unforeseen life moments.
So we are here. You are here. In our own way we have met the greeters REST and ADVOCACY which are not limited to health alone. REST and ADVOCACY for marriage, family, life, career, purpose, relationships, heartbreaks, friendships, financial matters. . .REST and ADVOCACY for anything that has been “major” for you. I love REST and ADVOCACY!
As you continue to LIVE WELL (revisit the blog from August 14,2022 *wink*) allow REST and ADVOCACY to free you from forms of “survivor’s guilt”. Know that the invisible and visible parts of your journey matter. Believe that God sees you beyond what society claims to be “major” or “minor”. Most of all remember God has unfailing love towards each of us.
LIVE WELL, REST and pursue ADVOCACY for every area of your life without shame.
~Corri-Rose~