FROM AVOIDANCE TO EMPOWERMENT: THE ABCS OF FACING WHAT'S REAL

Health Empowerment Day is observed on September 9, 2026. Created by Healthgrades, this national awareness day equips people with tools to navigate their healthcare journeys.

This year, the organization addresses a sobering statistic: “Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults find managing healthcare overwhelming and time-consuming.”

The statistic didn't surprise me. What got my attention was the statement behind it. For some, overwhelm isn't where the problem starts – it’s avoidance. Before anything in life can change, you have to acknowledge it. That's true of a medical condition, a personal struggle, a relationship, an emotional burden, or something else. You can't fix what you haven't honestly named.

The absolute hardest thing I’ve ever had to acknowledge happened when, within a matter of seconds, I had to accept that Mia’s stroke was a life-changing event not only for her, but for me as well - I had two lives to navigate, not just my own.

As seconds stretched into minutes, minutes to hours, and hours to days, I became more than her mother.  I was her decision-maker, caregiver, teacher, encourager, advocate, story-teller, and healing companion. At the time, I had a financial plan in place that would let me live comfortably after retirement, but I hadn't accounted for caring for Mia, and I had to come to grips with that reality. I also had to admit that I needed help if I wanted to avoid caregiver burnout. And there were others.

So I leaned on the ABCs of Gratitude: I Acknowledged what happened. I Believed I would persevere. And I Committed to making one small change at a time. That was almost 10 years ago, and I’m grateful to say we’re both thriving.

Sometimes we hope that if we ignore a problem long enough, it will disappear on its own. But that’s not the way life works. When you run from your problems, they run after you - and eventually they catch you and take you down – if not out.

Here’s your small change challenge for the week. Ask yourself:

·     “What's one thing about your health you've been aware of, but haven't let yourself fully acknowledge?

·     What’s holding you back?

·     Have you considered what ignoring the problem is costing you?

The bottom line is that everything you do affects your health, so acknowledgment matters. It isn’t the finish line, and it doesn't mean you have to solve it by yourself. But once you name it, you can work on it.

In observance of Health Empowerment Day, Healthgrades offers health empowerment tools - practical tips for when life comes at you and you’re not sure about what step to take next. You don't need to come up with all the answers yourself; you just need to stop looking away from the ones that matter.

Be Honest with Yourself; Be Well!

For additional wellness tips, subscribe to my small change Weekly Wellness Tips at https://www.myrtlerussell.com/contact-us.