Happy New Year Readers! We are in the middle of a four day snowstorm having received over a foot last night with another foot expected over the next several days. What better time to hunker down in front of the fireplace and contemplate the New Year; although I’m a few weeks late to the process. Instead of a list of resolutions they, whoever they are, suggest we pick a word for our intention in the New Year.
I have been fighting with a back problem for several decades that continues to worsen so after many rounds of non-invasive treatments I visited a spine surgeon in December who, after review of all things considered, has authorized surgery scheduled for early May. I am hoping to move it up so we can return to the lake on our regular spring schedule but if I can’t, I guess our time at the lake will be shortened again this year. It’s a major surgery with an overnight hospital stay so nothing to take lightly. With proper pain management and assistance for several weeks post op, I should be fairly independent, which is a good thing as Paul is scheduled to fly off to parts unknown for several international hiking expeditions around the middle of May. The rest of my summer will be focused on recovery and rehab.
Because of my focus on this ongoing health problem, that will continue for the foreseeable future, I have settled on the word HEALING as my intention for 2023. I think it is a broad enough word to cover any number of things and is certainly appropriate for a year in which I have major spine surgery. In addition to less pain accompanying routine daily activity, my hope is to be able to walk/hike 3-4 hours without pain and mobility challenges.
After seven years of frenetic retirement activity, I have slowed down a bit and realize the importance of letting my days evolve organically as part of healing and finding balance after my highly charged professional life. I have been enjoying this less scripted way of life this winter and even more so this month with my mother visiting. Our card playing and puzzling is at its peak and lots of holiday goodies are still on offer. I treasure my time with her and am painfully aware of the fact that it won’t go on forever.
So, if you haven’t already done so, carve out some time to ponder your life and pick a word that aligns with your intention for the New Year. Write it down and post it on your bathroom mirror so it remains front of mind as you move forward in the year ahead. Cheers!