Day 19: Building My Health Team

The day’s end, another moment to reflect.
Dearest Diary,

Why is it so easy to push aside our health until it demands our attention?

Before diving into this, let me share a dream I had recently. In the dream, someone I know stumbled across my diary. While they promised to keep it private and free of judgment, it stirred something in me: a fear of losing the freedom to write so openly.

Would their perception of me change? Would they misunderstand my thoughts?

Upon waking, I realized that this space is my sanctuary—a safe corner of the internet where I can process without judgment. It’s a reminder of why I started this journey: to encourage vulnerability and growth, both for myself and for anyone who finds these words.

The Overlooked Health Team
We often view life as a solo journey or, at times, a team effort. But one team that often gets overlooked is the health team—the people dedicated to keeping us physically and mentally well.

Ideally, our health team would cheer us on, ensuring we live our best lives. But in reality, hurdles like insurance, cost, and time often make this feel unattainable. Even the simplest acts, like scheduling a checkup, can feel daunting.

I once discussed this with my hairstylist. They mentioned how challenging it is to find time for their own hair appointments, despite it being their livelihood. It’s ironic, isn’t it? We prioritize appearances—haircuts, polished outfits—yet often neglect the foundation: our health.

Building My Team, One Step at a Time
Reflecting on the past few years, I’ve slowly been assembling my health team:

1. The Dentist: This was my first step. After my childhood dentist retired, I went through trial and error to find someone I trusted.


2. The Optometrist: Driven by a specific concern (dry eye), I found a specialist who also handled routine exams. It felt manageable—a small, focused step.


3. The Physician: Last year, I established care with a primary doctor. It’s tricky to build rapport when you only meet annually, but I’m hopeful this relationship will grow.



Each addition felt daunting at first, but every step reinforced the value of prioritizing my health.

Why Is This So Hard?
It’s easy to let health take a backseat to the daily grind. Weather, packed schedules, and sheer inertia often make health appointments feel like just another chore. And let’s not forget the rabbit hole of online symptom searches—always leading to worst-case scenarios.

Studies support this. Research published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2020) highlights that “cyberchondria,” or anxiety fueled by online health searches, often leads to unnecessary stress. Meanwhile, the Journal of General Internal Medicine (2018) found that delaying preventive care increases the likelihood of avoidable complications.

Reframing My Mindset
Despite the challenges, I’m choosing to view health as an investment, not an inconvenience. Building my health team isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a support system for the long haul.

Here’s my plan moving forward:

1. Stop procrastinating. I’ll schedule the checkups I’ve been avoiding, starting with a specialist for lingering concerns.


2. Focus on holistic care. Beyond routine visits, I’ll explore mental and emotional well-being—perhaps adding a therapist to my team.


3. Practice self-compassion. I’ll remind myself that taking care of my health is a form of self-respect, not selfishness.



A Lesson in Helping Others
Diary, this journey isn’t just about me. It’s also about being there for others. If I’m fortunate enough to find my way to better health, I hope to share what I’ve learned.

Whether it’s offering advice, lending a listening ear, or simply encouraging someone to take their first step, I want to support others as they navigate their own paths.

Thank you, Diary, for being my sounding board and reminder to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Yours in letters, always,
Pandora

P.S. If you’re reading this now, welcome to my late-night musings. If you’re catching up later, I’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you prioritize your health team? Share your experiences below!