Listen (Personal Narrative)

Listen
To me living inspired means living in tune to the Spirit, listening to that still, small voice, so you can make the best choices and decisions. Sue Cline - Waukee, Iowa

Life Coach Carolyn Himes had been working through a motivational program with her clients. On week four, the focus was geared toward physical health and taking care of things that we all have a tendency to procrastinate with. Realizing that she shouldn’t introduce tools to others that she herself didn’t utilize or follow through on, she knew that she needed to make an appointment for her annual physical exam, an exam that she had not had in two years. Her mind told her, “You feel great. You don’t have any symptoms. Plus, you don’t have health insurance and you know how costly exams can be. This can wait.”

Days later, Carolyn sat working alone in her garden, prepping the soil to plant new bulbs for spring. As she was working, her flip flop got stuck and she landed in the dirt with a thud. When she fell, she heard the words echo throughout her body, “Don’t wait. This appointment is important.” She listened to that inner voice and decided to take action. That moment in the garden gave her confirmation that, in fact, she should not wait.

She went to the appointment and within a week received the test results. They indicated that she needed further testing. After those results came back, she was able to ask for additional testing, and off she went for round three. To get herself back on track while she waited for the outcome, she reached out for tools and found Fran Drescher’s book Cancer Schmancer. Here, she found answers, hope, and ways to take action.

Then the call came, “Hi, Carolyn, we are saving the last appointment today for you. Please come in. The doctor would like to speak with you.” It was this day that she realized that her inner knowing is present and is there to help her and others. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Friends and family pulled together for her and she was able to have the needed surgery and aftercare.

One year later, a cancer-free Carolyn participated in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women in Los Angeles and was able to thank Fran Drescher in person for being an inspiration. As Carolyn says, “We need to share our stories. They may just save a life.”

Take a moment. Be still and quiet. What might that voice of discernment be saying to you?
© Michelle Sedas. All rights reserved and reprinted with permission.