I know it has been awhile. A real long while. I'd say I've been super busy or make some lame excuse like that, but it would be a lie. I mean, I have been busy, but not THAT busy. Truth is, I didn't have anything real important to say. And now I could catch everybody up on the kids and Chuck and what we have all been doing, but I'm not going to. At least not right now, we will leave that until next week.
It is so close to the end of the year that I thought it was a good time to reflect on what I have learned. I think it is important at this time of year to look back and discover how you have grown so you can fully appreciate that you are better off now than you were a year ago. And I think most people are better off. Maybe not financially, although I hope you are, but hopefully you are spiritually, emotionally, medically, or intellectually better off. I know I am better off in at least three of those areas.
I have learned there comes a time in your life when you have to make your health a priority. I know, I know, most people already know that. But I had been living a life where I was mostly healthy, I was overweight, but my heart was good, I didn't smoke, I didn't drink excessively, so, in my mind, I was in pretty good shape. But then I had some unexplained pain and muscle weakness. And it got so bad that I couldn't do simple things like drain a pot of noodles or pick up a textbook with one hand. Not being a weak person, I knew there was something wrong. And after a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, I actually felt relieved. I wasn't crazy. It had a name, there was something wrong. But then I had some other lessons to learn.
I learned that although medication can be very useful, it isn't the only way to fix problems. Nor is it always the best. Or does it work the same way for everyone. The medicine that I was prescribed didn't work for me. I didn't like it. I needed to find another way. And I have, through trial and error and supplements and yoga and massage and diet and regular exercise. And I feel so much better, better than I have in a long time. It was a lifestyle change, but one I had to decide for myself to do, not one that I could be forced into.
Which leads me to my next lesson, I have learned that attitude is everything. I will not let this diagnosis define me. I will not let it control my life or prevent me from doing anything. And I mean that. If anything, it has inspired me to work harder and do more. So I have done more this year, made exercise more of a priority, increased my workouts, and vowed to swim more meets this year. It isn't always easy. I have bad days, but as long I don't let myself wallow and I adjust my attitude, I can keep going.
But health wasn't the only lesson this year, I learned how much your past shapes you. Again, I know that that isn't news to most people. But sometimes it takes a journey back to discover why you are who you are is just what you need to focus where you want to go. This year I had a few opportunities, between old friends, reunions, and visits to old stomping grounds to reminisce on my more formative years. Remembering the past made me realize some things. I have done some things I'm not proud of, but I wouldn't change any of it. If I hadn't done some of the things I had, I wouldn't be where I am today. Those decisions, good or bad, led me to my wonderful husband and amazing kids. So, I have learned to embrace my past, both the good and the bad aspects.
It's not just the past. This year I learned to embrace the present. I know my children are only going to be this age and this curious for a short time. It is important to do the things with them they enjoy. Sledding, swimming, going for walks, bike rides, and looking for adventure around every corner. We have had a great year and I am really looking forward to doing more of the same and more in the coming year.
There have been a lot of little lessons, too. And when I look at where I was last year at this time, I know that I have grown. I also know I still have things to improve on. Just like the rest of the world, I will make resolutions for the new year. Resolutions that aim to make me a better person, and I hope my resolutions will also make the world a better place.
Here is to 2014! No matter where you are now, may we all be better in a year's time. Happy New Year!
