Dudley's Do Hard Things

You can do it. Yes it's hard, but it's not impossible. Be Brave and power through. Work hard and don't give up. Don't tell yourself you can't before you even start!! How do you know you can't unless you try? Don't doubt yourself. Give it your all.

These are phrases that have been used frequently this last month as our family has taken on new adventures, new hobbies and new schools.

Let's start with our Sage. We all love Sage. She is intelligent, social, kind, and knows her own mind. Our Sage decided to take on a lot this year. Over the Summer she started Cross Country. "But Sage, you have Asthma and bad knees! Are you sure you want to start running long distances?" A resounding yes was declared to all those who love her.

The first month was rough. Her knees were killing her. Her asthma was triggered, she was the slowest on the team. Sage was wondering if it was worth it. She decided to not give up and keep on going. We bought her special knee braces and treated her allergies more aggressively. Now her knees are stronger, she doesn't need the braces, and she can now run 3 miles competitively. She still have room to grow as she continues to set personal records for herself. But she is proud to have overcome such a hard endeavor.

Ashton was accepted into an amazing school this year called Maeser Preparatory  Academy. Although it is amazing, it is not an easy school. Most teachers expect a lot out of their students. They don't believe in extra credit and homework is constant. Ashton knew that it was a challenging school. But Ashton declared, "It's ok Mom and Dad. I want to be challenged!" Ashton has worked hard and his straight A's are evidence of that. I've been so impressed by his work ethic. He never complains, just get's things done.

And then the Blood Drive sign up sheet landed in my lap. Curtis' voice was heard in my head. "You should donate blood this time Weetheart. You can do it. Don't be scared." As my heart beat fast I quickly signed my name at the top of the schedule. Then I texted my Curtis, "I hope you will be there to hold my hand because I am so nervous." For those who have not caught on yet, I had never given blood before in my life due to fear. I do not like needles. I can not look when a nurse draws my blood. To give a whole bag full seemed impossible for me.

The day came, Curtis could not be there due to work issues. As I drove to the church I was wishing he could be there to calm me. I walked in, signed up and answered questions. They put the needle in. So far so good. I began to squeeze my fist to help with flow. Doing ok. The nurse told me I was flowing too fast. "Squeeze less hard," she said.  Sage Calls needing a ride. I told her she had to wait. Then I started to see stars followed by cold chills and sweats. I lost all color in my face. My hands and feet started to tingle. They laid me back asked me if they should stop and encouraged me to do so. Defiantly I said, "No, keep on going. I am fine." They asked me several more times as I was on the verge of passing out if I wanted to stop. "No, how much more do we need before the bag is full? Has my flow slowed down?  Reposition the needle. Get it going fast again. Lets get this done!" I got through it. My first thought was I needed to get Sage. I was shaking uncontrollably from the ordeal (This happens when my body starts thinking about going into shock.) They forced me to drink juice and sit down for a bit... when they were not looking I slipped out,  Sat in the car for a minute eating almonds and waiting for my body to stop shaking. Then I took off.

Was it a good experience? No not really. Yes I felt good that I was helping others out... but it was miserable for me. Hard. But if I'm going to tell my kids to do hard things I need to set the example. I was wiped out for the rest of the day. Maybe if I did it more often my body would get used to it... maybe.

Everyday we have to do hard things. Sometimes it's simply personal challenges like exercising consistently, being kinder, using time more wisely. Other times it's things we have no choice to endeavor in life like illness, bad relationships, tragic events. But we can do it. We can all power through the hard times we face in our lives. And by doing so, we grow, become better people, and prove to ourselves and to those around us that we are strong. So be strong! Get it done! You can do hard things.