985 Days

I’ve waited for today for a considerably long time—nearly three years, 985 days to be exact. My anticipation was heightened because this day was actually supposed to come 15 months ago. For each of those 985 days I had one thing on my mind—the finish line. Each month I made a short trek to a familiar office where I got adjustments that put me just a little bit closer to this day. Between visits, I dealt with discomfort that eventually eased as the process continued but inevitably returned when I went for adjustments.

 

For the last year, I’ve gotten my hopes up numerous times, looking for an end date. Last month, I finally got that date—September 12—and I’ve been pretty compliant with my end of the bargain. I’ve followed doctor’s orders and counted down the days. After a setback about a week ago, I was nervous that my end date might get pushed back. I envisioned myself getting bad news at my appointment and jumping on a table yelling, “Just hand me the pliers!”

 

I was so over:

·         metal and ceramic

·         speaking with an occasional lisp

·         biting my cheek

·         flossing with threaders

·         wires that poked

·         sores

·         rubber bands

·         THESE BLASTED BRACES

 

Thank God (and yes I prayed about it) that I finally got my day of freedom.  

 

I’d like you to know that I’m sharing this not just to go on a dramatic rant, but to share what I’ve learned through this experience. Having braces as an adult has taught me:

 

·         The importance of patience

·         To remember that there are many things outside of my control

·         Moving in the right direction often hurts

·         Things don’t always go as you expect them to

·         If you stay on track, you will see the beauty that results from your effort

 

So whatever you are waiting on, hang in there, folks. If you stick to your plan, the end date will come—even if your plan changes.
 

Mama’s signing off and she will enjoy the opportunity to eat a whole apple (no slices) this weekend!

 

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Shellie

 

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When the Plan Plummets

There is a lesson that I’m supposed to be learning right now. How do I know? Well, the last 10 days have hit me over the head with reminders that I’m not in control, nor is any man. No matter how much planning I do, there is always the possibility that my expected result won’t come to pass.

 

The first reminder came on the fourth of July. I was excited that my first radio interview was scheduled to air that day. It was my day off, as well as a day off for nearly everyone knew. I wanted people to listen in, so I scheduled social media updates, plugged the interview in my subscriber newsletter and made sure family and friends knew how to tune in. Even the gracious host who interviewed me spent days plugging the interview on social media.

 

As the hour neared, everything was in order. I got my daughter down for her nap and waited with my husband for those last few minutes. When the theme music played, I prepared for the moment of truth. Thoughts ran through my mind.

 

·         Did I say “umm”?

·         I hope I wasn’t breathing too hard into the headset.

·         Did my answers make sense?

·         Would it be hard to listen to my own voice for 30 minutes?

 

But there was one question I did not ask: What if they accidentally air the wrong interview?

 

That question did not cross my mind, but it’s the one question that could have prepared me, because that’s exactly what happened. Initially, I was mortified. After about two minutes it was clear that the wrong interview was going to air for duration of the segment.

 

Eventually—hours later—I saw the humor in it. It was totally beyond my control and the host’s control. I haven’t been in the radio world since I was a deejay at my high school radio station, but I do know that human error occurs. It was just a mistake.

 

The host and the radio station were extremely apologetic and went above and beyond anything I could have expected in a situation like this. They not only aired it later that day, but they also aired it four times over the course of a week. That meant even more exposure and more opportunity to reach people with information they were looking for. What a blessing!

 

Maybe I’m getting a lesson in perseverance. Maybe I’m getting a lesson in flexibility. Maybe it’s not about me at all. There could have been someone out there who couldn’t listen at the original time, but needed to hear our discussion on self-publishing. My hope is that someone heard it and it was motivation for her own dream.  I don’t know the true reason for this lesson and the other lessons I’ve experienced lately, but I do know I’m being prepared for this exciting and somewhat daunting path I’ve chosen.

 

So I will keep pressing forward and will do so with flexibility. For now, I etch this in my memory: “Write your goals in concrete and your plans in sand.” –Anonymous

 

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Shellie

 

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