2019 - Comfort&Joy

As I was going through my emails yesterday, I came across one that suggested choosing A WORD as your new year symbol/intention for what you wanted instead of having resolutions.  Well, I'm ahead of the game as that is exactly what I have been doing for several years now! 

2018 was the year of Ease and it went quite well!  Even my breakup with my significant other went with relative ease considering.  So, for me, this method has worked incredibly well!

I am choosing a combo of words for 2019...Comfort&Joy!  I need these in my life at this time.  After coming in to some ease, I noted that I'm missing some comfort and joy.  I am looking forward to bringing these elements into my world this year.

I also want to move closer in (toward downtown) so I'm closer to my social circles again and less likely to isolate due to vicinity.  That will take some time as I'm on a lease and I also need to save up for the deposit and moving costs.  But it's a worthy goal. 

I will continue working on improving the range of motion in my left shoulder.  I resolved the frozen shoulder on my right side and have no doubt I can repeat the success on my left side given time and patience.  It is taking much longer to resolve but with consistent stretching and exercises I, at least, am not seeing it get worse.

I continue to pursue my health by giving up all meat and dairy products.  This has turned into a pleasure for me.  I love the benefits my body has gained by giving up these foods.  I no longer crave meat and dairy foods.  I feel better and have had positive lab results that only validate my choices.  I look forward to seeing what improvements come from removing all dairy from my diet this coming year.

I do have a goal of getting back to writing this year.  I miss my muse and I have gotten off track as I let other activities become a priority.  Also, my daughter bought me a beginner's guitar for Christmas so that is another aspiration of mine, to learn how to play it!  I have lots to keep me intrigued in the new year! 

End of year (2018)

So soon another year has come to an end. 

I moved at the beginning of the year and reunited with my ex, settled into my full-time job and enjoyed a year of relative ease (per my yearly intention). 

I suffered a chronic ear infection and two frozen shoulders (first the right - which quickly resolved and then the left which still has a limited range of motion).  Other than that, my health has improved greatly.  I think it's due to giving up meat and most dairy.  In 2019, I vow to give up all dairy as well, going totally Vegan.  I have had such a vast improvement in my health that I find it easy to follow.  Not only that, I have lost all my taste for meat, cheese and milk products.  There are sometimes a challenge in finding foods but I welcome the upcoming challenges in the new year as I explore new foods.

My new neighborhood has been interesting.  I live in a park-like setting, close to public transit, however, I feel isolated from my previous social circles downtown.  It has been a learning experience to be sure.  I have explored the neighborhood but there isn't a lot around me in the form of social opportunities.  Without a car to get around, it is limited.  I have public transportation and Uber/Lyft.  I manage but I'm less motivated to get out and about due to logistics.  So I've spent the better part of the year "hermiting".  I have enjoyed the nature walks in my area when the weather is nice.  I enjoy watching my neighbors walk their dogs. 

I've found ease in my work.  I no longer dread going to work.  I no longer dread the daily routine.  I look forward to having structure and consistency in my days.  The familiarity soothes me.  I get to work from home two days a week and that is very nice.  I am comfortable with my work and when challenges arise I feel confident to meet them. 

Sadly as the year ended, another break up happened with my ex.  We just can't make it work, though we have valiantly tried.  It feels rough and raw still as we both go our own ways.  We tried to remain friends yet that was just a convenient crutch for the both of us and we eventually had to break even that tie.  A clean break was needed.  I do not look forward to the loneliness and sadness that stands before me as I heal from this relationship.  But heal I must...

I read "Scar Tissue" by Anthony Kiedis and was transformed.  Not only that, I am now a confirmed Red Hot Chili Peppers fan!  So that happened!  I recommitted to my sobriety and feel a clarity I haven't felt for over two years.  I am ready to see what comes next!

So here's to a new year!