Miracle Year | 2019
Last January I set a few goals not knowing what 2019 would bring. I’ve adjusted and abandoned some of those goals, and that is just fine! Just because I abandon goals doesn’t mean I am a failure, it simply means those goals weren’t right for me. Keeping a sense of balance and perspective on what truly matters has helped me focus in more fully on the goals I truly want to accomplish, and let the other less important goals go by the wayside. I’ve also given myself A LOT of grace this year, simply because of how far I’ve come.
2019 is a year I will look back on as ‘my miracle year.’ Almost 6 months ago, I was fortunate enough to have a phenomenal surgeon insert an artificial disc into my spine. Before receiving this surgery, I had resigned myself to a life of chronic pain and every single day was a struggle- both mentally and physically. I was surviving and coping as best I knew, but it was not easy or ideal. Looking back, I feel incredibly blessed for what has transpired the last 365 days and the current situation I find myself in. Now that I no longer struggle with pain, I am looking forward to focusing my energy on my future goals with a positive mindset.
2020 Motto | Slow & Steady + The Little Things
When I graduated from high school, my mom gave me a small tortoise figurine and she retold the story of The Tortoise & the Hare. Her simple reminder that ‘slow & steady’ wins the race has stayed with me, as well as that tortoise figurine.
I have a special spot where I like to write. It is comfortable, warm, and the Diet Coke flows like a river. I’m sitting in my spot now, writing and sipping Diet Coke. Before I sat down today, instead of buying my drink inside, I went through the drive-thru even though I would eventually get out and go inside. Why? Because I was warm in my car, my new car, and I wanted to enjoy the warmth and comfort a little longer, so I did. I allowed myself to enjoy this small (maybe a little silly) thing.
I’m grateful for my past experience with chronic pain because it has brought a certain clarity I wouldn’t otherwise know. I’ve learned how important, albeit simple, it is to enjoy the ‘little things.’ Actually, not only to enjoy the little things, but also see that the little things and baby steps add up to ultimately be the big things.
Photos by: Devin Bendixen
Gratitude
Going into 2020 I feel grateful. Grateful that I can now workout pain free. Grateful that I can fill my days with activities and not worry if my debilitating back pain will stop me. I am consciously choosing to appreciate the present for what it is. I am excited to work toward my 2020 goals at a ‘slow and steady’ pace while enjoying ‘the little things’ along the way, all while looking forward to an even better future coupled with faith and hope. I can’t wait to write my 2020 Reflections 365 days from now right here on my newly designed website (a 2019 goal). I want to thank you for reading, following along, and sharing your stories with me. I love this platform and feel truly grateful to share my life with you. Wishing you the Happiest of New Years and a special cheers to 2020! The best is always yet to come.
I LOVE this!! Truly inspiring