It was 3 a.m. when I rolled onto my left side and felt a painful pinch in my left breast. Discomfort had been my companion for weeks, yet I convinced myself it was just my menstrual cycle playing its usual tricks. As I lay there, pondering whether this warranted a doctor’s visit, my friend Sheila’s story came rushing back. She had found a lump during a routine shower examination and instantly knew. Her journey was no walk in the park—undergoing a double mastectomy had taken a toll.
That memory jolted me awake, propelling me to the mirror to confront my fear. The thought of acknowledging a
problem, especially one that could necessitate unpleasant treatments, was daunting. Still, I lifted my arm and began the examination. There it was—a distinct round mass near my armpit. Panic swept over me as I checked my right side for symmetry, hoping it was just a quirk of my body. But no, only the left breast bore the ominous lump.
The pandemic added a layer of terror to my discovery. The idea of visiting a doctor’s office seemed reckless and irresponsible. “Am I overreacting?” I wondered, as thoughts of being dramatic and wasting medical resources echoed in my mind. Childhood memories of dismissive remarks—“You’re fine,” “Stop being so dramatic”—played on repeat, sowing seeds of self-doubt. Growing up in a world where my feelings were often invalidated, seeking peace of mind through a doctor’s visit felt burdensome.
Yet, supported by voices of reason, I mustered the courage to book the appointment. The day was a whirlwind of tests—mammograms, sonograms, and a biopsy—all expedited due to the pandemic’s impact on routine medical visits. By evening, the call came from my surgeon: no cancer. Relief washed over me, but so did a profound realization.
This journey underscored a crucial lesson: the need to challenge internalized messages that belittle our health concerns. Those childhood whispers telling us we’re dramatic or overreacting? They need to go. Instead, we must embrace affirmations that honor and validate our self-care needs.
Taking control of my health was a revelation. It taught me that self-care isn’t about being dramatic; it’s about respecting myself enough to seek the care I deserve. It’s about unlearning the detrimental messages and replacing them with self-affirming truths. We owe it to ourselves to listen to our bodies, trust our instincts, and prioritize our well-being.
As I reflect on my experience, I encourage you to do the same. What messages have you internalized that need unlearning? How can you reclaim your narrative and prioritize self-care? Let’s start this journey together—one affirmation at a time.
Here’s to your greatness,
Misti Burmeister
Misti Burmeister helps companies and leaders motivate and inspire excellence. For nearly 20 years, she has facilitated communication that results in trust, increasing engagement and productivity across generations. Make sure your communication is coming across the way you intend, visit https://www.MistiBurmeister.com