I can honestly say this past year was very different from 2022. The first part of the year was spent with ongoing recovery. I was not as sick as in 2022, however, I was still dealing with low hemoglobin levels and had to go for another iron infusion. My leg continues to be a challenge, my friend Debbie decided that I needed to give this “rash” a name and thus George was born. He truly likes living on my left leg and no matter how many times I evict him he refuses to leave. I’ve decided that he’s likely to be an unwelcomed guest with whom I will have to deal with on a regular basis. How lucky I am that I no longer wear dresses or skirts so no one will have to look at George.
Work continues to be a constant in my life, in fact in the Fall I decided to take on another job on Mondays working with one of my favourite doctors doing something totally different from my other job. So, I’m learning about a new system and that certainly keeps my brain functioning.
I started writing my articles again this year and a month ago I joined a Writing Group where we just dedicate ourselves to writing. It’s a great opportunity where I’m focused only on my writing with no outside influences.
I’m learning to take more risks and it’s so exciting how these are working out in a positive manner. I reached out to my son with whom I had not spoken in almost 10 years. He responded immediately and we actually met in person in August. It is so amazing to have him back in my life. I’ve also reached out to my daughter, but so far, no response. At least I tried.
I don’t want to give the impression that these accomplishments came easily. None of them did, it took a lot of self reflecting and willingness to change behaviours and ideas. We all face challenges in our lifetime the key to success is to dig deep when facing these challenges and try to figure out what lessons the Universe is trying to teach us. If we don’t figure it out the Universe will continue to send us similar challenges until we figure it out. I’m just getting better at figuring them out.
Unfortunately, the world continues to be a crazy place so much sadness and destruction. The US. is on the verge of losing its democracy which is very scary given that we are so influenced by what goes on in that country and some of our politicians are using the same rhetoric that is going on in the US. Despite all the craziness I truly believe that intelligent people will see through all of the false messaging and make the right choice to maintain our democracies.
It saddens me to see all the hate in the world people being demonized for being different and making choices that is right for them, but others refuse to understand. Why is it that people feel we all must fit into one category. I was thinking what the world would look like if we were all one race, one religion, all heterosexual beings. Personally, I would find it very boring. I love talking to like minded people; however, I truly grow when I’m with people who aren’t like me.
Over the years I’ve had jobs where I’ve had to interview people from all different religions, ethnicities and beliefs. I found each interview to be a huge learning experiencing. Getting to know people and understanding their values broadened mine. Listening to what they had to say didn’t always change my opinion, but it helped me have a better understanding of their thought process.
I’m quite happy with the person I am, but I can open my mind and listen to others who don’t feel as if they belong in their bodies. Education and listening to each other is so vital. I may never fully comprehend what the other person is going through, but I can have compassion for their struggles. Fear mongering never works. I remember when I was growing up, we were told that Rock & Roll was the music of Satan and it was blamed for juvenile delinquency.
The world is so much more exciting with diversity, love and acceptance. We can learn so much from others who don’t think as we do yet some people want everyone to be what their image of people is rather than accepting everyone’s individuality.
I truly believe that 2024 is going to be a crazy year. So, buckle up and hold on tight the ride is going to be quite bumpy, however, if we are open for the challenges the Universe is bringing us, we can finish it stronger and happier.
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