The New Year

Usually New Years is when I try to focus on the good things that happened over the last year, but instead I find myself focused solely on the future. Don’t get me wrong, this year had some great memories and accomplishments: our family vacation to Nashville, my first semester of grad school, and a title change at work, but in general, my health has seemed to consume most of my thoughts and decisions since May. My year came with a chronic diagnosis and a laundry list of symptoms, medications, and side effects.

I know some people that read this are going to try to convince me to “look at the positives” or “focus on the wonderful things that happened this year”, but that’s not what the majority of my year was. The majority of my year was prednisone, doctors appointments, hot flashes, hospital visits, moon face, and blood draws. Muscle soreness, hair loss, back pain, and GI problems have simply become a part of my everyday life. That is not what I had envisioned for 2016.

I envisioned a year full of love, happiness, and good health. I still can’t seem to make it a full week without some sort of incident – fainting, hitting my head, unexplained bruising, procedures, CT scans, etc. 2016 was a constant game of symptom or side effect. If I had to find a plus in all of it it would be that I can truly appreciate now more than ever the love and support of my family, friends, coworkers, and husband. Also, as cliche as it sounds, I never stopped to appreciate the little things until this year. I took my life for granted until I almost lost it. So I guess I can thank 2016 for my clearer outlook on life.

Please know that this post is, by no means, meant to be negative or take away from anyone else’s great year. I’m just ready for a change. I realize waking up tomorrow in the New Year doesn’t automatically change things. And this isn’t the part where I list a litany of things I am hoping to improve about myself this coming year. I’ve learned these last few months that things don’t change overnight and, if you expect them to, you’ll only end up disappointed. What I can say, though, is that 2017 has a lot to offer and a lot to look forward to: my family vacation to Daytona, reconnecting with old friends at Disney, four weddings, more grad school, and coming off the steroids! Here’s to a happier, healthier 2017! Cheers!