Like Rocky, I’m facing my own ‘steps’ with the ‘Eye of the Tiger’

“Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past/ You must fight just to keep them alive.” — “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

Not long ago, I was by the pool, staring at a blank screen and wondering what to write for my next column. I put on my headphones and played my Life Playlist, which is filled with songs that mean a lot to me. When “Eye of the Tiger” came on, the opening notes felt like a heartbeat, and just like that, I knew what to write.

To me, “Eye of the Tiger” is all about confronting difficult situations, staying determined, and believing that anything is achievable if you keep trying.

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Living like Rocky

When I was a student at the University of Delaware in the 1990s, I was happy, healthy, and full of energy. I took pride in walking with a friend up the 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That period was special to me, and I tried to live my life as Rocky did.

If you didn’t know, “Eye of the Tiger” is the theme song from the 1980s movie “Rocky III.” In the movie, Sylvester Stallone’s character faces many challenges. One of the most famous scenes in the “Rocky” franchise is when he runs up the 72 steps to the museum.

Rocky fails at his first attempt, but he returns to the steps and keeps trying until he reaches the top. This shows that even when things are difficult, you can achieve great things if you just keep going. There are many similarities between Rocky’s story and my own experience.

My own kind of ‘steps’

When I hear that song, I consider all the things I could do to experience the sort of energy I once had. Much has changed in my life since those college days. Now that I’m living with hypoparathyroidism, climbing stairs is more symbolic than literal. Instead of making it up 72 steps to the art museum, my goal is to reach a place where I’m living my best hypopara life. I want to be able to conquer adversity, achieve my dreams, and live adventurously. I dream of not having to go for weekly labs, of having more good health days than bad ones, and of making my kids proud that I’m a fighter with the eye of a tiger.

Ice skating helps Bari Vapnek live her best hypopara life. (Photo by Bari Vapnek)

To reach the top, my personal “steps” include seeing my doctors, undergoing radiology scans, and having weekly blood work. Most weeks, I have appointments almost every day, which is rather overwhelming. However, each one brings new knowledge — whether it’s good or bad — and represents a step forward.

In addition to following my doctors’ orders, I’m working to avoid complacency by taking small, meaningful steps every day. For example, I set aside one day on my calendar each week for fun — no doctors, labs, or tests, just an activity I enjoy.

I hope this positive energy helps keep my calcium levels steady! Today is my day off from appointments, so I’m going ice skating. It’s one of my favorite activities, even when I’m hypocalcemic, as it helps me stay cool in the Florida heat, get some exercise, and find joy in the day.

I treat these weekly fun days the same as doctor appointments: I never fail to keep them. They are another step toward living my best possible life, and I am making steady progress.

Finding inspiration

I am happy when I focus on myself and become more confident with each step. Whenever I look in the mirror, I feel proud of all that I have achieved, knowing I can take another step forward tomorrow.

Rocky’s story has inspired people for decades. His determination helped him reach the top, despite all the challenges he faced. I hope my journey of overcoming adversity with hypoparathyroidism can inspire someone else, just like Rocky inspired me.

I can’t literally climb those 72 steps today, but as long as I keep moving forward, I know things will be OK, and I will make it to my own version of the top. One day, this brave butterfly will fly, having never given up on her fight to survive.

Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is a strictly news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.