My mom told me something a few weeks ago and it has stuck with me ever since, she said, “You are looking at the world with much brighter eyes these days and is so good to see”. Through this post, I’m going to explain what she meant by it, well through my perspective anyways.
When the doctor came in and told me that I had a heart attack, I was in complete shock. During the hospital stay and even months after, I was full of emotions: anger, sadness, anxiety, fear, and frustration. I couldn’t understand why I had the heart attack and I was pretty upset that the doctors couldn’t give me a reason to as why I had one. I’m not going to lie; it was a very long couple of months. I tried to put on my ‘brave face’ but I was scared and sad. I had actually gone into depression. I was isolating myself from everyone and just didn’t care about life anymore. It continued to get worse, especially after the second hospital stay, when I was diagnosed with the coronary artery disease.
Finally, I got to the point where I told myself that I had only two options. First, I could remain depressed and sad and continue down the miserable road. Or, I could do something about it. Well, I chose to do the second option; I was going to do something about it. That is when I decided to start blogging. I wanted to get my story out, in hopes of bringing attention to the issues regarding your heart. I wanted others to know that if I had a heart attack at the age of 24, it can happen to anyone, regardless of your age or medical history.
I never ever thought that in my wildest dreams I would ever say what I’m about to say, “The heart attack has become one of the biggest blessings in my life.” WHAT? Yes, it’s true. I say this because there have been so many positive things that have came out of this. There are many reasons and I will explain each of them; however, the biggest one is I found that I am a much stronger person then I ever thought I was. Years ago, I had another traumatic event in my life and I got through it. I had my heart attack, I got through it. Hell, I have a lot of strength and courage if I can get through all of that! There is nothing that can stop me; I was born a fighter (premature baby) and I will always be a fighter.
I decided that I was going to start watching what I was eating and I was going to start exercising more. I knew that by doing these things, it would help lower the risk of another heart attack. I’m very proud to say that I haven’t added salt to any of my foods since the heart attack! That’s a HUGE accomplishment for me because I used to add salt to everything. I also have cut out junk foods. Okay, yes, I splurge every once in awhile, but there has been a significant change from what I used to eat. I have also started exercising. I recently joined the YMCA and have signed up with a wellness coach. She is awesome and kicks my butt. I’m also taking some of the classes that they have to offer. I’m pretty excited to start taking cardio hip-hop, zumba, and strength training. Just by watching what I eat, I’m proud to say that I have lost 25 plus pounds since my heart attack! And let me tell you, there is nothing more rewarding then going to try on a bridesmaids dress and realizing that I’ve went down 3 sizes! I’m also starting to fit into a bunch of my old clothes and that’s exciting as well.
Another thing I realized that is you only live once and you have to live life to the fullest. I’ve started trying and doing more things. For example, I actually tried sushi for the first time a few weeks ago. I never would have done that before! It was actually pretty good and something that I would try again. I’ve also started a “bucket list”. Some of the things that I want to do is go sky diving, swim with the dolphins, go to Australia, and run in a mini marathon.
I think that the most rewarding part of this journey is that I’m helping others and that feels so good. I never ever thought that just by telling my story, I could make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have the privilege of working with the American Heart Association and I’m beyond excited and thrilled to take part in such an awesome organization.
Through this journey, I’m finding myself to be a much happier and stronger person and just loving life in general. My mom was right; I certainly am looking at the world with “brighter eyes”.
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