So many of us are fighting battles we don’t often discuss. Whether it’s health issues or family drama, work situations, transitions, coping, loss, hurt, or money worries, and sometimes even all of the above to some degree. It’s fair to say that we all carry burdens of worry and fear about ourselves, our loved ones, and the future. Sometimes all of these things hit at once and we might feel like our problems are all mucked up together, so it’s challenging to know where to direct our primary focus. Other times it seems like bad news can come in waves. Just when we think we are about to get up– bam. Another setback or concern sidelines our next steps and forces us rethink our plans.
I wrote the above paragraph one day before I tested positive for COVID earlier this year. How’s that for timing?? Yes, I work on multiple blogs at a time. In fact, at present I have 39 separate and distinct stories in some form or another currently in process. Many are about food (shocker!) and around upcoming travel. The dream of being a food and travel writer is still alive and well as I’m sure many of you know.
I pick a good headline or jot down a paragraph and let that soak until I have enough ideas to expand upon the original thought. Crazy process I know, but instead of forcing it, I’ve come to accept that writing is an evolution for me. It happens when it happens. So I binge write like crazy ’till literally all hours sometimes if I feel the urge, but I’m also able to set it aside if I’m too busy with work or have writer’s block. I know that I always return to the words. Always.
Anyway, having lost track of all things relevant in the haze that was my sickness, imagine my surprise when I logged into my blog again to find that paragraph staring me in the face! I actually find it hard to comprehend what I do in a single day and how much I missed by skipping a week. No, the world did not stop turning but I missed happy celebrations, two work trips, daylight, oxygen, human contact, and sleep. The only thing that consumes us when we are sick is being able bodied again– good health is indeed everything.
We’re at that time in the year when many of us are having some thought-provoking internal dialogue. Did I accomplish what I wanted to this year? I still haven’t cleaned out my closet! Shit! When is the new season of House of the Dragon coming out? Maybe I’ll fit into my skinny jeans after my post-holiday diet?
I hope that health thing that seems like nothing isn’t something serious. Should I call the doctor? Maybe I don’t want to know. What am I going to do between Christmas and New Year’s? Am I getting a bonus this year? Should I blow it or save it? Will I ever be able to retire? Can I manifest millions? I haven’t volunteered since 2019. I need to get back to giving back. Do I need milk? Is Fairway open regular hours on New Year’s Day? The calendar is about to flip so a clean slate seems so appealing… however I guess we all have to adjust for carryover.
When I zoom into the minutia that is my life it can be overwhelming at times. I’m sure this is true for all of us. Introspection is of course a valuable tool but living your life and finding some joy in each day is also advisable, regardless of your current battle or health constraint. We have to find ways to be happy and grateful! Especially if doing so makes you or someone else smile.
So as 2022 comes to a close, my wish for all of you is health and happiness. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. And instead of ending this year full of regrets or in tears, I vote we all have cake instead and celebrate with tiers! Cheers!!!
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