All of us have projects that we aspire to, which make us dream or make us jealous when we see others doing them. We all have fears too and we use them as an excuse to not realize our dreams. In my opinion, human beings are too often rational and weigh the pros and cons too much. We should be livelier and more impulsive.

What were your dreams before having your diagnosis and/or your ostomy? Do you feel that your current condition restricts your ability to achieve those dreams you had before? Even if we’re all in the same situation, we don’t all have the same reality. Some of us will have more leaks, more restrictions, more complications... If it already takes courage to accomplish a dream without any specific medical condition, how are we supposed to do it with one? Is there really a moment when we’re adequately prepared?

I love backpacking trips! Since my surgery, I have made sure I had a little extra comfort while doing them. I dreamt of a trek of a few days in the jungle, in the forest or in the mountains. I dreamt of seeing almost no civilization for a few days, with nothing else than the contents of my backpack with me. I wanted to be comfortable enough with my condition to be away from a bathroom for several days without worrying about possible leaks and incidents or the food that was going to be served during the trek.

The rational girl in me obviously considered all the pros and cons before making my decision:

PROS :

• Discovering other cultures

• Living unforgettable experiences

• Seeing breathtaking landscapes

• Meeting people from all over the world

• Getting out of my comfort zone

• Going beyond my limits

• Becoming "fearless"

• Being proud of myself

CONS :

• Flipping out over nothing

• Flipping out over everything

• Imagining exaggerated scenarios about the worst possible leaks

• Having to change my pouch 3 times before leaving, just to be safe

• Bringing too many snacks (protein bars, cans of tuna, oatmeal, packets of meal replacement powder... At a point, it becomes heavy in the backpack!)

As you can see, the pros were worth it. I did my first treks on my last trip to Peru. My friend and I chose good excursion companies to make sure I could eat well during the stay. I trusted my travel partner and I was prepared for all eventualities. I knew we would find a solution to every little problem.

I’m still not certain that I will be able, one day, to undertake adventures like this one to Peru with complete confidence and a calm attitude. However, I must say that the stress I experienced before leaving allowed me to be really well-prepared for all eventualities.

"We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one." – Confucius

Take risks. Be crazy, impulsive, lively and carefree.

Stéphanie

Brought to you by : ProAssist