Last Few Days Full of Pleasant (and Not So Pleasant) Surprises

Hi folks,

[Before I start I'd like to let you know that by no means do I intend to purposely share negative feelings here, whatsoever, even though the facts that you'll see below may be a bit depressing. I'd rather share my journey the last 9 months as an inspiration to not give up, keep your head up and encourage you not to take certain things for granted].

These last few days were pretty crazy.

Some of you may know that I've had orthopedic surgeries in August 2017 which I HAD to do to avoid back and other problems as I age.

Had these things called "Ilizarov apparatuses" on my legs + right foot. After the surgery in Moscow, I had to stay there for 3 months, so that I could stay under doctor's supervision.

Basically I had my bones (surgically) broken in like 15 places and these "braces" on my legs/foot re-shape the bone structure and hold them together.

Don't let that smile fool you - the 3 months were HELL (even nearly narcotic painkillers didn't help). I literally cried EVERY single day for 3 months straight.

But I was HAPPY because I knew I was going back home Toronto in 1 week from the day that photo was taken. Hence the smile. Never thought I'd miss being home so much.

Anyway, given the situation I had to stay in for a few months, couldn't even go to my backyard because it was winter time.

Yep, 9 months inside.

It isn't fun at all, but I got myself moving a bit more than before, and starting to take online business and blogging seriously, kept learning more and signed up for SWAG.

(By the way a bit behind on SWAG that's for sure, but will catch up).

And by the way, doing a bit of work online probably saved me from getting deeply depressed. I forced myself to move a bit in order not to fall into this trap.

From experience I can surely tell you that being busy keeps depression away.

Anyway, this month I spoke with a doctor and he said 8-9 months is enough so I should go back to Moscow to take these "braces" off.

So, pretty spontaneously my mom and I booked a flight for the 15th of April.

Now, guess what?

When the day arrived, it was SNOWING and was freezing rain out there in Toronto.

MANY flights were cancelled, our flight was delayed by 6 hours (thank God going with the Eruropean airline company instead of Canadian/American one who didn't cancel the flight), luggage from previous flights weren't even unloaded and our luggage stayed in Toronto (I was freaking out because I had submitted my baby walker with all our luggage).

So that was the unpleasant surprise.

Waiting for 6 hours in the airport obviously wasn't affecting my legs positively, as they easily got swollen, well given the situation, that's understandable.

Anyway, somehow with all these complications we made to Moscow by Monday night and Tuesday day (yesterday) I was supposed to have the braces taken off.

And for what it's worth, yesterday was the ONLY day my doctor could see because he's leaving Moscow 2 days after.

Can you imagine how scared I was not to make it? Flights to Russia, or Europe for that matter, are freakin' expensive and wasting 3 weeks in Moscow wouldn't be fun.

I just thank God it all worked out and here I am:

At the moment I also have a cast on right foot for extra protection (it's kinda fragile for now).

Luckily, I didn't have that much pain as the first few months so that's good. I went home the same day and went to sleep.

So that's the first good news.

The second good news is that I won Gary Vaynerchuk's signed copy of a book!

Basically, I just woke up today and I see this on Instagram: "Congrats, you won #FirstInLine!"

Woah!

I knew I'd win it sometime lol just crazy how it happened right after the surgery and one of the pleasant surprises in the last week.

You know, these little things kind of brighten your day especially when you've been through so much.

I don't share much on WA lately, especially personal stuff like this, but decided to do it this time with the community.

It wasn't easy but I know you guys are super supportive, so thank you for that.

P.S. As I said I am behind with SWAG but I will try to catch up on it as soon as possible, I've had 5 sales thus far, so that's also exciting.

Guys, lessons to take away from this post:

- What doesn't kill you, does make you stronger

- Believe in your guardian angels/your world to protect/take care of you.

- Having an online business you can work on not only helps you create income but also helps keep depression away ;)

Piece of advice: I didn't mention it earlier but the first 5 months I wasn't able to walk, and it's the WORST feeling to be immobile and dependent on everyone. Do take care of your health and be grateful that you have two functioning arms and legs. Much love <3

This experience was definitely traumatic, but at the same time it opened my eyes to things that I took for granted.

To Success!

- Zarina