Anticipation can seriously impact how you think. For some, it’s a build up, a time of growing excitement. For others, it can snowball in the opposite direction, sending thoughts spiraling downhill, or to other places it doesn’t belong.

For the most part, I do my best to walk into situations with no expectations. At least, this was how I approached some of my recent medical procedures with my gynecologist.

A few months ago, my doctor scheduled me for a cervical biopsy. She gave me no instructions beforehand. I was to arrive just as I would if it were a normal yearly checkup. Despite my legs splayed in the air at 90º degree angles, I had no expectations. I figured, “Eh, it’s probably going to be like my yearly pap smear.”

*SCRAPE!!!*

Remember that post? Need I re-post the photo?

There was no numbing medication. No direction to take painkillers beforehand. Nada.

It hurt like hell.

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