UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology January 1, 2022 - Flipbook - Page 25
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
we’ll all say as we gather around for our celebratory pizza party—no masks in sight! I picture myself as how I used to picture my
great-grandfather, freezing to death at the mast of the ship yelling something clever into the void about how he was holding on
for me—Little Lizzy Grace – and our family, and Gibraltar, and White Castle (our family loves White Castle)…and the list goes on
and on. Something changed in me recently, perhaps from feeling quite exhausted with how to change that which I don’t have
control over, that made me wonder what it would feel like to channel the real Alfred Owen. That I was doing something simpler.
Something without fanfare, something that won’t make any headlines or turn heads. No powerful quote for the reporters. How
would I stay motivated? How can I get through, practice self-care, and take care of my family and loved ones? What would that
look like for the support that I provide to our patients and families? Would I survive what feels like the freezing cold and, if so,
how?
A gift to myself and those around me across contexts for 2022 is the permission to reframe and regroup. We have been flooded
for almost two years with constant evolving information, emotion, and change – all while continuing the “normal” roles and
responsibilities that exist outside of COVID and all the things it has brought to light for us – good and bad. I have found it
unrealistic to frame all that I do in my personal and professional life as heroic, quite frankly. I’ve found it unrealistic to frame it as
someone else—though perhaps for White Castle. Reframing my experience as for myself, in this present moment, and therefore,
by default, for others has truly changed the way that I view this “wreck.” It allows me to focus on what is in front of me, what I
know for sure to be true, and what I can or cannot do about it. It has helped me save energy that I need for basic functions at a
time when I don’t have energy to spare. It is so refreshing! It is so refreshing to regroup with this mentality and feel like I finally
have the strength to hold on – whatever that may look like – while presenting my most authentic self. I am recommitting in 2022
and am asking you all to do the same. I am recommitting under uncertain circumstances. I am recommitting at a time when I am
cold, scared, tired, and hungry. I am happy and proudly recommitting to what matters the most this year, which is myself. I am
recommitting to hold on and welcome you to do the same. ☐ Dedicated to Alfred Owen Morasso and Alfred Morasso, Jr.
Contributed by: Liz Morasso, LCSW, OSW-C
Clinical Social Worker III, Department of Radiation Oncology
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