Fresh Start . . .

Do you remember when you were younger and you were learning a new game and you got a practice round so you could “get the hang of it” before keeping score? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a practice round for each new stage of life? Unfortunately, that’s not how life works. We can have a “do over”, of sorts. Each year, month, week and day is a fresh start.

I am going to hit the re-start button and have a fresh start for this blog. I have had an internal battle with myself as to whether I should continue to write. So, here I am . . . writing. It has been too long since I last put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. I wasn’t sure I could still write or if I even wanted to write. Has that season passed? I hope not.

Can you relate? Have you ever wanted a re-do for a season of your life?

Life with a chronic illness is like that. Each new medicine and each new treatment comes with the promise of a fresh start – – – a more “normal” life.

I was recently in a clinical trial. (I will tell more about that in a future blog.) The clinical trial definitely came with the promise of a fresh start and a more “normal life”. Although there is no cure for Crohn’s, the new med has given me the most normal lifestyle I have had in a very long time. A daily shot – – – not something I ever thought I would be doing – – – gave me a new shot at life. My physical symptoms have improved. My energy still fluctuates but I’m able to do most of what I want to do. And, if I’m not able to do something, that’s OK. Tomorrow is another day.

Reflection: What do you need to set the re-set button on? A fresh start can come any time, not just January 1st.

*Author’s Note*

I enjoy writing these blogposts for http://www.hiddeninplainsights.com. I eagerly and enthusiastically set out on this blog journey, trying to write and publish one blog a week. When I couldn’t meet my self-imposed deadline, I was upset with myself and thought maybe I shouldn’t write. Gradually, I did stop writing. With the encouragement of several friends, I am putting pen to paper and fingers to keyboard, again. My new, realistic, writing plan is to publish the first week of each month. Ideally, I will publish the first Monday of the month. However, you will notice today is Tuesday. I’m not allowing the fact that I missed my goal, yesterday, keep me re-starting the blog, today. Let this be your reminder you can re-start any time. I plan to do my best to publish a blog at the beginning of each month. There will, occasionally, be a bonus blog. I want to share some insights into life with a chronic health condition with some personal anecdotes. I hope what I have learned in my almost 30 years of life with Crohn’s can help someone on their journey with whatever condition they are living with.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read what I write.