Giving Blood hurts, takes time and has left me tired and was even a bit scary. BUT it gave me a massive sense of satisfaction. Yes, this is my arm at the moment the needle entered me!
If you have seen this heading and clicked this article, all I can say if boy are you a sicko wanting to read this! Just kidding awesome friends and yes of course, I deliberately wrote a “Compelling Heading” but may I say it’s quite close to the truth.
Right now I actually feel a bit “Whoosy” after giving blood today. It’s taken out a lot of my time, I feel very tired from the process and the Needle going in is quite a painful experience. In fact, the whole process of giving blood is quite painful!
When it comes to donating blood, too many people I think don’t talk about the reality of it. It can be a painful and icky process – and to be frank with you, the sight of blood (especially my own) can freak me out a bit.
Now why on earth does it give me a sense of satisfaction and why am I going back? The simple reason is that the pain gives me a massive sense of pleasure. Not in a “Red Light District” type of sense at all, but in the knowledge of knowing that:
– I volunteered to suffer to help people that are dying and who really need it.
My better half, my mother and Joel & Annie Curtis (whose Son has leukemia and invited us along) have had cancer and health complications impact them and it was “Blood Transfusions” that at times kept them alive.
In fact with Jude (my lovely boss & better half) she almost died during her childbirth due to blood loss and suffered for days due to low supply. That is – yes, I am in pain for what I have done, but the blood will go to help countless people who are suffering as I speak.
“Pain” is not always an indication of something negative. In fact it can mean positive things. I felt pain this morning and now (as my arm hurts as I type), I feel pain at the gym and when I was homeless I felt lots of pain. HOWEVER – those experiences / outcomes / learnings have given me great pleasure and satisfaction.
My advice and learnings from this experience? If you are scared of needles, scared of losing blood, feeling like you haven’t done enough for “Other People” in life etc – then I challenge you to give blood. Watch the needle go into you and watch your blood go out – and acknowledge your greatness in helping people with a selfless act that few can do!
Thank you again to Joel and Annie Curtis for the invite and till next time!
P.S. Hope you enjoy the video below with awesome “Mark” who did a great job of leaching me!
No responses yet