Almost two weeks ago, on a Tuesday night, I knew my body was in trouble! I had done everything I could possibly do at home. But I needed a more potent dosage of antibiotics.
My abdomen had risen to resemble a nine-month pregnancy and was incredibly tender; even walking made it painful.
I knew what it was but had started the protocol a little too late!
For the first time in a long time, I didn't listen to myself and allowed the pain and discomfort to carry on for days – hoping that perhaps if I ignored it, it would go away!
Well, not so! That's not how our body or life works!
Nothing that you ignore will magically disappear! You got to face it head-on so you can begin your conscious recovery.
The truth was I was pissed at myself!
I knew I had to avoid wheat (carbs), rice, corn, and sugar! The ultimate inflammation culprit, but I had overindulged the past month after returning from Costa Rica.
And now I was paying the price!
I didn't change my eating lifestyle for vanity, calories, or weight! For me is a matter of being healthy or being a sac of walking inflammation and the onset of many other chronic illnesses that have subsided! But these ailments can come back if I am not intentional with how I nourish myself!
We live in the realm of cause and effect!
And It was an expensive irresponsible effect! Total carelessness!!
With a heavy heart, I reluctantly took my butt to the ER. And sure enough, by 6 am the next day, they confirmed what I already knew, and I was admitted with diverticulitis and an abscess that had formed. And again, they suggested surgery to remove twenty inches of my intestines! 🙄
I've been doing soo well! But I slipped enough to get myself into this hole! And there was no one to blame but me!
It was precisely the sixth anniversary since I experienced the first episode! And I hadn't had one in over a year since I started my new eating habits.
I was angry at myself! I felt disappointed!
What we eat, we become!
What we think, we attract, and manifest.
What we do or don't do, becomes our NOW. Our reality!
And this was my reality. I had the choice to own the lows in life and embrace them with an open heart.
I had to remind myself..." Dayanna, healing is not linear! You know this!"
The universe will replay lessons until you learn them and will remind you that you can't outsmart it!
As much as you try!
That applies to pretty much everything in life!
My hospital stay was humbling, though. An experience I needed to live so I could have a deeper appreciation of my health and WHAT IS NOW!
You see, I had a special neighbor that unknowingly gifted me with a profound life perspective!
Nothing that happens around us is a coincidence! There is always a lesson if you become still and listen to the whispers!
Next to me was an elderly woman curled up in her bed, and throughout the day and night, I could hear her having trouble breathing and being in pain.
At some point, her coughing was so difficult; I could tell she was choking on her phlegm and was in trouble.
I pressed the help button, but no one came, so I jumped out of bed, grabbed my IV pole, and rushed to the hallway to call for help!
Suddenly there was mayhem in our room. Everyone rushed, doctors and nurses coming in and out, working hard to clear her airways, and after the commotion, there was an eerie silence...
After x-rays done right there in there, a young lady called the elderly woman's relatives; I could sense her nervousness and solemn tone as she told them their beloved "D" was in her final hours.
Little by little, a precious life was slipping away next to me!
Later in the day, I overheard her cousin share her story with one of the nurses: she had been a scientist teaching at a New York university all her life. Never married or had kids.
I imagined her being an interesting soul, traveling the world and living her best life on her terms. Her kids were the thousand of students she must've taught!
Now she was in a hospital bed in her most vulnerable state, dependent on receiving the love and care of strangers to live.
By Thursday afternoon, I had a glimpse of her as she was being transferred to a hospital hospice to be with her loved ones in a private room for her final hours.
Interestingly her name was Diane. Similar to my name.
I silently thank her for gifting me a glimpse of another powerful life lesson and allowing me to help her, perhaps extending the time on earth by a few more hours for her to be surrounded by loved ones and for the universe to remind me that what is truly important is this moment, right now and what we choose to do with it.
One day we all be in our final hours, and what will matter is how passionately you live every breath you took throughout your life! And whether or not you chose to honor your most authentic self.
Life is a choice! And how well, healthy, and fulfilled you live is a decision.
I want you to know that experiencing setbacks during your healing journey is completely normal. It can be discouraging when old wounds you thought you healed resurface, but it doesn't mean that you're not making progress. Remember that you are constantly growing and evolving, and you need low moments to make you humble, learn from failures, and make changes so that you can
re-write your path.
This experience gave me a renewed desire to live! I achieved a new personal best of being discharged after only two and a half days! The insurance had approved me to undergo outpatient infusions, and my medical team was astonished at the rapidity of my recovery.
I had opened a window to get a glimpse into the future, see myself at an old age, and make the necessary changes now that I am near fifty! Cough.. A reminder!!
During these health challenges, spiritual inner strength is everything! – If you believe you are sick, the body will follow your lead! Your mind is your most loyal servant!
Every single one of us will one day be in the same or similar state as my neighbor in the hospital bed.
It doesn't matter how much money you had, the university you attended, the many places you visited, or the adventure you experienced! Once your health is compromised, there goes your freedom, and a sense of hopelessness settles in!
In the hospital, I could feel it all around me.
The nurse said to her patient goodbye, "Hope I don't see you! feel better!" And the patient replaying, "I am sure you will!"
At the end of your days, all that matters are the quality of your health, mobility, vitality, and will live.
Seize the day and take control of your life. Your choices and actions are yours alone, and you are responsible for your wellbeing.
Remember, you have the power to shape your life, so take action and be brave. Take that leap of faith now and make the most of your precious life.
Every day you get a blank canvas to paint.
I encourage you to take personal responsibility and action and infuse your life with your thirst to live without fearing what others might think! So at the end of your days, you have zero regrets knowing you gave it your all!
Do it, scare! Please do it now!
Because Your life is priceless!
XOXO
Dayanna Valenciano-Luna