Tuesday, November 6, 2012

When the Going Gets Rough

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few months wallowing in self-pity, which is a completely useless and selfish emotion. It doesn’t make anything better, it doesn’t solve problems, and it doesn’t change the past. Stepping up and making changes is ultimately what makes things better. And having a little perspective, that helps too. Sure, the past year has been rough, but my definition of rough is having a sports-related injury and having low iron and not winning an Olympic medal. In the real world, that’s not rough. Rough is having your home destroyed by a giant hurricane, or being Lance Armstrong, or having cancer. We found out a few weeks ago that my dad has cancer in his colon. He’s going in for a big surgery tomorrow to try and remove it. This would usually be considered a self-pity worthy situation, but recognizing that this is not a productive emotion, he’s decided not to wallow in it. He’s keeping an optimistic attitude while suffering only the occasional grump-attack. But we'd all have grump-attacks surviving on a diet of jell-O and apple juice. His situation has forced me to take a new perspective on the past year. No matter how hard I hit rock bottom, my rock bottom wasn’t really that bad. He's showed that optimism and positivity are powerful tools when the going gets rough. Cancer sucks, but if anyone can beat it then this guy can! 



13 comments:

Dustin Harding said...

You're an inspiration to those of us who struggle to make the finish line on a hard day, and sometimes finish last. When the going gets rough, have a look at all the positive feedback from thousands of Canadians who are cheering for you, and look forward to you continuing to make us proud.

Best of luck to your dad... if he has 1/8 the tenacity of his daughter, he'll be just fine.

Alex Coates said...

So so so sorry Polly... when it rains, it pours. Courage and Love to your Dad and your family and you!!! xoxoxo

David Rowe said...

Really touching blog. Good healthy vibes are being sent your way from London. Be strong.

Lunatik Athletiks said...

You are a role model for all canadians and all women! Keep up the good work and can't wait to see what's next for you.

Unknown said...

Best of Luck to your Dad. Good to stay positive and strong.

Unknown said...

Strength and prayers to you and your family Paula. Our family went through the very same challenge with my dad. Positive thoughts!! All our prayers and our best to you and your family.

Thomas Warren said...

Oh dear, sad news. Fingers crossed for your Dad, sending prayers across the Pacific.

JamesBoH said...

Best of luck to you and your Dad - hope it all comes out smelling of roses! Hopefully after a winter of looking after yourselves and doing what's right for long-term health you'll both be back racing well next year.

Being Lance "Multi-Millionaire-Cheat" Armstrong is not rough though. Maybe spare a though for those he's bullied out of the sport or those who he's cheated out of prize money.

kristen said...

I'm sorry your family has to go through this - best of luck to your dad with the surgery. These kinds of things really do give you a new perspective. All the best to you and your family!

Gregwh said...

Best wishes to your Dad

Unknown said...

May God bless your family. May science and medecine support your father.

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Unknown said...

So sorry to hear the story of your Dad. I wish him the best of luck. I think it was Anthony Robbins who said "This too shall pass"

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