Here's the stick

When you get blood drawn, get an IV, get a shot, or, heaven forbid, a MRI with contrast, do you like it when the nurse says, "Here's the stick"? I usually push my mind away from the inevitable—not knowing and just accepting without thinking feels better. More calm. No use worrying about something that hasn't happened yet, especially when it might be easier and less painful than predicted. That's how I operate in life, and yet, here I am mentally prepping myself for the results of my most recent MRI. Imagining nothing but bad. It's like a little nurse in my ear saying, "Here's the stick. Here's the stick. Here's the stick." At least I have yoga to take me out of my mind. I've already taken seven classes this week. I wonder if I can ask my doctor if she minds if I sink into half pigeon while she delivers the news.