Today is the first day of a new year. It represents new beginnings. Out with the old, in with the new. So much symbolism as we start a new year. Each year, as we flip the page on a new calendar (or scroll to January on our digital calendars), we all expect something magical to happen. A new year marks new beginnings. We make resolutions. Or, we set new goals. Or, maybe you have a word or a theme for the year.
Through the years, I have made resolutions. It didn’t take long for the newness to wear off and the resolution fizzled. The truth is there’s no real magic to the clock striking midnight on December 31st. We’re the same person today that we were yesterday. But, every day we should be a better version of ourselves than we were the day before.
Life with a chronic illness means you start a new year thinking —– “Is this the year that I make it all year without going to the hospital?” OR “Is this the year I have another surgery?” OR “Will I miss my daughter’s dance recital, this year?” These questions and many others have motivated me to switch from New Year’s resolutions to a word of the year. The word for 2021 was JOY. I tried to live with as much JOY as I could. I found joy with family and friends.
The year 2021 was a year without surgery. And, there were no overnight hospital stays. So, that’s always a good year. I did have seven outpatient procedures. I also switched from one biologic medicine to a new biologic med. Which means I changed from giving myself two injections (shots) every two weeks to now, giving myself one injection every eight weeks. Overall, 2021 was a great year for me, as far as my health is concerned. If I have a great health year that translates into a great year in all aspects of my life. Many years, I have missed holiday activities with my family because my Crohn’s was flaring up. This was the first year in many years that I was able to enjoy all the Christmas activities with family and friends. Christmas Eve was very special because I was not in the bathroom with a Chron’s flare.
Being present and in the moment should be important for all of us. It is very special for the chronically ill. You don’t realize how important it is to be in the moment until you miss those moments.
That brings me to my word for 2022. This year’s word is intention or intentionality, as being intentional with your time — how you spend it and who you spend it with.
I plan to make my time in 2022 count.
Reflection: When you look back on 2021, what do you see? Do you have a word for the new year? As a writer, I always like this analogy —– Today is the first page of a 365 page book. How will you write your story?
Hidden in Plain Sight 
Another good one in the books! You inspire us all to be intentional!
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