Written by: Vickie Sullivan | October 08, 2013
Making Stuff Up
File this under too much information about me: a health challenge last month required me to be slid head first into a very narrow tube (aka an MRI machine). The problem: I am extremely claustrophobic around my head. This is NOT good news.
So I bargained, I pleaded, and when all else failed, I reverted to hysterically crying like a toddler who has been told “no”. (I am not proud of that performance.) The doc took one look at me and calmly said, “OK, we are giving you valium. And if that doesn’t work, we will sedate you. But you are getting an MRI.” I do love blunt people.
Three days later, I was in the tube. The doc made sure it was the largest MRI machine in the Phoenix area. It was built for folks up to 550 lbs, so I had plenty of room after all. I didn’t freak out; the pictures were perfect. Whew!!
What I learned: it wasn’t the experience that I was the most afraid of. It was the stories I made up about the experience before it happened. Stories that weren’t even close to reality. Stories based on fear, not facts. And my brain reacted as if the story was real.
How many times do we make up stories about something that hasn’t happened yet? How many times do we let those stories drive our reactions? This is a habit I’m going to break.
Author : Tamara Lee Taylor
Published: 2013-10-08 11:51:36
I hope you are well now Vickie. I know how scary it is to have your good health go bad and feel for you. We are only born with two fears, falling and loud noises, all the rest are learned or made up stories. Aren't we creative? There's an easy fix for that… making up a pleasant story in its place. Isn't it interesting that we get so angry at people when they lie to us, yet, we lie to ourselves more than anyone else does?
Author : Debby Adair
Published: 2013-10-08 06:42:31
Vickie...I love you. What a great thing to ponder. Never thought of it, but you are on to something here...I too make up things...like, it's going to be real hard, I can't possibly get it done, I'm born that way...stuff like that. And funny, most of my made up stories, center on my health. Your rendition of the MRI (something I have had done and said never again) had to do with your health...anyway, the perfect thing I needed to hear as I embark on my own health issues. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your perspective on the world. Debby NSA NE Buddy