Is it Worth It?

I’ll never understand what makes our fight so hard for something that hurts so much.

Is it worth it? Is it worth the pain or struggles that come along with it? Nothing comes easy. There is always some pain or struggle that comes along with the things that mean the most.  We allow ourselves to struggle, suffer and reach the level of exhaustion in order to reach some goal, whether it be making a relationship work, getting through school or working. No matter the level of the pain, something keeps us going. Something motivates us to keep pushing forward. Deep down we believe that the struggle and turmoil is worth it, and if we believe it is worth it, it must be true.

           

            This seems to be the most plausible answer right? But now the question is, how do we know if it is worth it. I have asked myself this question a lot lately. Right now in regards to my career, my deepest desire is to go into Pediatric Oncology. I’ve been on a Pediatric Oncology floor for the past few weeks and it has been emotionally draining. I can’t even begin to explain how hard this experience has been on me emotionally and mentally. I’ve seen the highs of working on the floor (sending patients home after their last chemo treatment) to the extreme lows of this job (telling a child and their family that there is no other treatment options and they only really have few weeks left).  In our 6 weeks on the floor, 5 children passed away. This isn’t the type of job where you can leave your work at home and I am already beginning to realize this. It’s hard emotionally and physically. Sometimes I ask myself: Why do I want to put myself through that pain over and over again? Because I know if I do work in that area, there are going to be amazing success stories and there will be the other end of the spectrum as well. I’ve asked myself is this really worth it? Is this pain and sadness actually worth it?

           

            What motivates us to keep going? Worth. We believe that despite pain, the struggle will be worth it in the end. The benefits will outweigh the risks (or so to speak in medical terms). It’s scary, at least for me it is. It means taking a risk. Taking a chance. Because the truth is, we can believe something is worth it, and we may not actually know it until we make it through the struggles and hardships. All we can do is hope and have faith.

“The longer you have to wait for something, the more you will appreciate it when it finally arrives. The harder you have to fight for something, the more priceless it will become once you achieve it. And the more pain you have to endure on your journey, the sweeter the arrival at your destination. All good things are worth waiting for and worth fighting for.”