Courage and Role Models
What do we do when we are stumbling down a thorny, uncertain path that nobody around us seems to understand or relate to? Where do we look for inspiration and guidance when our journey takes a sharp turn from where we ever planned or envisioned?
One of the most significant ways I find motivation, especially when things feel most hopeless and agonizing, is through the example of role models that walked courageously through similar struggles. For me personally, that means talking with or learning about people who have gone through major health issues and didn’t allow them to have the final say in their life.
Role Models I Know
Fortunately I am aquatinted with a few incredible people who have endured the traumatic journey of chronic Lyme disease and it’s related life challenges (financial, social, psychological, spiritual). While each of these people had unique life circumstances while juggling this illness, they walked the same path of uncertainty, fear, exhaustion and desperation that I am currently walking out. Some of them made dramatic recoveries, others still deal with lingering symptoms, but each can relate to the wearying day-to-day challenges that accompany chronic Lyme disease. They had to learn to be brave and at times crawl forward in the dark when all flickers of light seem to expire. Each of them managed to hold onto hope that they would see better days ahead and become people for it.
To me, real life people who walked through the fiery, long path of chronic illness but did not let it break them or their faith are absolute miracles. When I am lucky enough to meet someone who is on the other side of it, or someone even who still battles symptoms but has reached a place of strength and victory in their mindset, I am in complete awe. And then I usually bombard these people with all sorts of questions as to how they practically trekked forward each day when it seemed hopeless. It’s really these examples that give me tangible proof that this illness doesn’t have to destroy me, even at times when it feels like there is no other option.
Role Models From a Distance
There are also plenty of people who inspire me that I only read or hear about. One example that I found early on in my Lyme journey that I continue to reference for motivation and hope is Yolanda Hadid, a former reality television star who battled probably one of the most extreme cases of chronic Lyme disease that I have ever heard about, and is now completely recovered. I remember reading her autobiography, Believe Me, about two years into my journey and needing to put it down more than once because it was so painful to read. But I found Yolanda’s relentless courage, determination and perseverance in her health journey so overwhelming. I still do. And to me, if she can go through such an extreme case that brought her close to death at times, and not only be better now but unbroken by it, I am able to hope the same for me.
There are several other role models I’ve heard or read about that greatly motivate me. Someone I’ve discovered more recently is Laura Hillenbrand, author of Unbroken and Seabiscuit, who actually struggles with a debilitating case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that pretty much renders her bedridden. When I discovered her and read more of her story, I was in awe that she managed to write such amazing works while shouldering the boulder of crushing fatigue each day. If that’s not badass, I don’t know what is!
Fictional Role Models
My favorite source of inspiration comes from some of the epically awesome yet flawed and relatable characters from fiction stories! Those who know me well know that I am unapologetically obsessed with reading fiction and will defend it’s value until my last breath. The power of fictional characters to infuse courage and inspiration is one of my biggest pro-fiction arguments. I literally cannot tell you how many times fictional characters, whether female or even male, have resonated so deeply within me and have inspired me in ways I have not found elsewhere.
Some of my personal favorite strong, relatable heroines are Ollina from Kelly St. Clare’s The Tainted Accords series, Vhalla from Elise Kova’s Air Awakens series, Pandora from Kaitlyn Davis’ Midnight Ice series, and Audrey from Julie Hall’s Life After series. What I love about these heroines in particular is the fact that their strength, confidence and courage develop in gradual, more relatable ways. They learned to become strong, resilient, vulnerable and brave over time and in spite of various heartbreaks, traumas, setbacks and mistakes. They balance independence and inner-strength with a humility and sense of healthy dependence on others. They are strong and determined and focused, yet not hardened or cynical. And most importantly, they each walk through seasons of honest brokenness, but don’t stay there, and only emerge once they let others in. I love that because that’s real life—sometimes we are defeated for a season, but that doesn’t have to be the end and we don’t need to do it all alone. When I read these coming-of-age tales and see how these incredible heroines became who they are, I am motivated to keep fighting in my own battles, especially when it seems like my own journey is hopeless.
What About You?
Chronic illness and it’s domino effect of challenges is my thing, but what is yours? Maybe you are struggling in a difficult work situation or unemployment, maybe you are navigating a heartbreak or shouldering loneliness and unmet longings that gnaw away at you daily. Maybe you are struggling with your mental health, difficult relationships, faith struggles, or trying to battle unhealthy habits. Maybe you are just feeling defeated by the state of the world right now or finding it hard to hope for a better tomorrow.
I don’t know what your thing is but I believe everyone has something—either you are currently dealing with it or you will be soon enough. One of the best things I can say to anyone walking a thorny, uncertain trail right now is to seek out role models that inspire you in your particular struggle. If you know them in person, ask them deep questions, find out some of the ways they practically navigated that season. Or do some research and find people out there who have written or publicly spoken about their journeys. And lastly, don’t be afraid to dig into a novel (or other fictional outlet) that connects you to inspiring characters. I promise it is not a waste of time!
If you have any role models that greatly motivate you, I would love to hear about them below!