“I really don’t believe in fear. I believe in putting in the work.” -Deena Kastor
This was one of my Runner’s World quotes of the day that is sent to my inbox every morning to inspire and motivate me into being a more vigilant runner. Funny that I probably haven’t gone for a real run since spring.
I thought of this “quote of the day” when I was spending time with my boyfriends family. We finished Thanksgiving dinner (lunch, really) and were sitting around watching the dog show, letting the turkey chemicals do their magic. Dave’s mom started talking to me about school and some of the things I do in my clinics. She asked, “Well don’t you get scared”? It only took me a few seconds to respond, letting the words come out before I had a chance to let everything register. “No”, I replied, “I don’t really think about it as it’s happening. I just kind of go with it, do what I’m trained to do, then maybe think about it later. I usually feel pretty awesome after the fact”.
Truthfully, I surprised myself. My boyfriends mother just responded by saying, “Well, you ARE a pretty calm person”. I didn’t argue and just sort of chuckled to myself.
I realized that a year ago if put in the same situations that I’ve been in, I would have frozen up, never wanting to return to an operating room again. All of the hard work and sacrifices that I’ve made this year has given me strength and confidence that I never knew was in me. Through hard work I’m seeing my goals fulfilled. Through hard work I AM fearless.
Don’t worry! I’m not becoming one of those uber positive, always having some inspiring story to share, there’s a lesson to be learned in everything, sorts of people. I’m just saying that I’m proud of myself and my classmates who have seen this thing through. This has been an amazing year and in two more weeks we’ll be finished.
Best wishes to all, my fellow hard-workers. Be fearless in whatever lies ahead.
-H
