When I tell people about my experiences in the hospital when I was young, they often say, “That must have been scary.”
That must have been scary, I agree. However, I don’t remember being scared. I was so focused on trying to understand what was going on, connecting with others, and surviving the frequent hospitalizations and surgeries for my heart condition that I must have been disconnected from the fear.
I appreciate people saying, “That must have been scary.” That demonstrates empathy and allows me to acknowledge what I’ve been through. I may wish that people had said “that must have been scary” to me back then, but that must have been scary for them to do.
This morning, I woke up thinking about the phrase “that must have been scary” and decided to reframe that to “that must have been necessary.” Somehow, that makes things less scary for me, here and now.
Do you see anything that must have been scary or necessary in my images for today?
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Learning something new, screenings, and breast exams: all scary AND necessary.
Here’s what I find on YouTube when I search for “that must have been scary.”
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If you think that must have been scary searching through the videos that popped up for me on YouTube, you are correct. However, it was necessary for me to finish this blog post.
Thanks to all who help me deal with things that must have been scary, including YOU.
A beautiful walk in October is a great necessity in your life that I’m thankful for, Ann.
Reframing “scary” to “necessary” seems useful. I will try it.
I see that much necessary work has been done on your home to make it safer and healthier to live in. You and Michael are good stewards for your home.
That last photo of Joan looks like a studio shot from a professional photographer.
I’m going to think of your bathroom as having been scary in the past, but wonderful in the future!
Thanks as always, beth, for your wonderful perspectives.
If there’s a bright side to scary situations it’s that, like you when you were young, we can be so focused on trying to figure out what’s going on we don’t think about being scared. But I also hope everyone understands that it’s okay to be scared.
Thank you, Chris, for this understanding comment.
Joan looks particularly regal in these photos, and ready to take on any foe deemed scary! There is a lot that is scary to me at the moment. But you help me reach for a better perspective, Ann. I appreciate you!
The feeling is mutual, my good friend!
Not what’s scary- but what’s necessary: that scratching post in front of the sofa! Yes, ma’m! Save the sofa!!
Scratching posts are very necessary around here, my friend!