The Instant Everything Changed

In an instant—everything changed.
 

I woke up around 4am with a throbbing jaw pain on the right side of my face. I put some of my favorite essential oil (Copaiba- for the record) and went about my day. In a 9am meeting, my right eye began to twitch uncontrollably and my jaw hurt even more. I called my dentist and went back to my desk and worked for the next few hours until my mouth went numb. What was going on?! I jumped in my car and began driving to the dentist when I looked up into my mirror and saw that not only was I numb, but that half of my face seemed to be drooping slightly. I called my mom and my husband .

Something was wrong!

I had no idea, in that moment, that my life would change forever. Or even more shockingly, just how much it would change… After a visit to my dentist, an endodontist, an urgent care clinic, the emergency room and an overnight stay in the hospital, I learned that I had Bell’s Palsy. I now know that Bell’s Palsy is usually brought on by a combination of the shingles virus and stress. STRESS.

IMG_5628.JPG

A trip to the hospital

is never glamorous

I already knew that my day job was stressful. As the Human Resources lead for all the people problems and discipline, I handled everything from minor disagreements to the most dangerous threatening situations. I already knew that my job was taking a toll on my energy, vitality and personality. In so many ways, I wasn’t my best self and it was time for a change. But I was so good at my job and I loved helping people. It was just too easy to wake up each day and choose focus on the new problems at work and push my passion for coaching, development, travel and inspiration just a little bit further back into my mind.

That is, until my Bell’s Palsy hit. It was my body putting its foot down and screaming at me that it was time to make a change, NOW. Not tomorrow, not next week or even next month. NOW.

IMG_5669.jpg

A few days later

I looked like this for 6 weeks

So, i did. I was prepared to quit my job to take care of myself. Luckily, I was given an opportunity to work part-time and to focus on the proactive, positive parts of my position I love, while my company hired a long-time expert to handle the problems and discipline. It was a win/win for everyone. Now I spend my time coaching women to chase their travel dreams, while I pursue my own travel dreams, and I do a little HR on the side.

But why am I sharing this with you?

Because I bet that there is something you KNOW you should do, but there are a million reasons why you’re not. You can’t afford it. It’s not the right time. What would your family say? What if you fail?

Even something as simple as taking the trip that’s been on your bucket list . . . what’s holding you back? Don’t wait until your body gives out. I mean, only the cool kids get Bell’s Palsy (I’m looking at you Rachel Hollis). But I promise you, that it’s not worth the wake up call.

fullsizeoutput_1652.jpeg

Living my best life

learning how to follow my dreams 2 months later

Take action today

Here are a few steps to get you started:

  1. Make a list of all the dreams you’ve been putting off

    Find a quiet moment and space where you can get cozy and relaxed. Pull out your favorite journal, set your timer for 10 minutes and answer the question:

    What do I dream of doing in my one big, beautiful life?

  2. Once you have a list, cross off the items that aren’t timely (for example: “be a grandparent” if you haven’t even had children yet).

  3. Scan through what remains and circle ONE item.

    There is no need to do them all at once. Just circle the one that feels the most important to you. It may be the one that scares you the most, that’s okay. It’s actually a really great sign.

  4. Set the timer again for 10 minutes, start a fresh page in your journal and start scribbling out all the ways you could make that dream happen.

    The crazier the better. Try to hit 100 ways to make it happen.

  5. Pick one and take the first step TODAY.

I was so lucky that I wasn’t having a stroke, or a heart attack or some other more permanent result from the persistent, life altering stress I chose to let myself live with. I’m grateful every day for my Bell’s Palsy and the changes it inspired me to make. If even one person can avoid a wake up call like that, then sharing my story was worth it.

If you’re interested in working with me one-on-one for some support while you chase your awesome dreams, I’d love to help you.

Heidi CampbellComment