Setting Goals

If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time. Unfortunately, you will learn nothing in the process.

I have just found that I have to go into the hospital for a hernia operation. It’s not too serious. It may be the result of my hip operation weakening the area.

My doctor recommended that I get it done at the Stratford Hospital. It didn’t take friends long to tell me that there was only one place to go – the Shouldice Hospital in Toronto. For the past fifty years they have only done hernia operations. Their procedure, which is different from what would be done in Stratford, has made it known world-wide. In spite of the trust in my doctor, my research on Shouldice convinced me that this is the place I should go.

When I looked at the website, I was impressed. Their approach is very different from other places. They repair each layer of muscle instead of a quick repair job. They say that you might even walk away from the operating room when the procedure is over. They keep you there for a few days, instead of releasing you. While you are there, you are encouraged to play pool and use their bowling alley. I am looking forward to the stay. They even have social events for former patients.

I filled out the paper work and sent it in. My operation date is December 3, but there is one catch. They told me that they expect me to lose twenty pounds.

The first reaction of many would be one of grief. I am actually excited. I now have a great reason to shed some weight. I look forward to the transformation that will take place in the next few months.

The hospital is very supportive. It is sending me a diet.

In the past few months, I have played the waiting game. I have been living in the present, but the future hasn’t showed much promise. Now I have something I can look forward to. I have a goal to reach. I have my Everest to conquer and I look forward to standing on top of world knowing that I have reached my objective.

Going down a road is much more interesting when you have a destination in mind.