New Year, New Beginnings

New Year, New Beginnings

Happy New Year!

Yes, 2024 is here and a part of me is still in 2023.  There were some interesting things that happened to me…good, bad and so-so.  It will not be worth going through the bad or even the so-so events as it serves no purpose. First, I will start with a promise I have made to myself.

I have been inconsistent with sharing what has been happening with me or my thoughts as I proposed when I started this blog.  I changed from one subject to another with no logical connection. At least I don’t see it.

This year I am not making any proposed common theme.  I will just blog what has happened, how I responded and how I felt/feel.

Now to 2023. I will keep it short as rehashing past events is not necessarily good.

1. My neurologist recommended that I go see a Neuropsychologist for an evaluation. I did in mid-June and learned that I do have a couple of issues. I learned that I have low-grade depression and PTSD, which I understand why. I mentioned this in an earlier blog. I took action to deal with these issues.
2. A third great granddaughter was born December 2023. The joy that brought to my life is beyond words. Sadly, I am in Tucson, they are in New York. Thank God, we can FaceTime and video chat. I will be able to see my granddaughter and great granddaughter and keep up with the progress they make.
3. In the third week of December, I experienced a series of symptoms that were consistent with heart issue. I went to the ER and was admitted for evaluation.  I had a battery of heart tests, EKG, Echocardiogram, heart scan and stress test.  All were good. I was then referred to a pulmonologist and was fortunate enough to get an appointment for 12/29/23. Found out I have low grade allergy that has irritated my nose and throat. I also learned that one of my medications may add to my coughing and shortness of breath. This is why I put this incident in the “good” category.

There were other things that happened that made me realize that I did need to accept that I am getting older and, yes, living alone was not in my best interest. I now have someone who I love very dearly living with me and helping me.

I ended the year feeling better than I had for several months. I began the new year feeling better physically and mentally. 

I guess I would say that the most significant lessons I learned were:

1. At some point we need to accept, and be willing to accept, that when we get to a certain age and/or have certain handicaps, help is a precious gift we should accept gracefully.
2. Do not let fear or uncertainty weaken our inner strength. I think allowing fear or uncertainty to control our thoughts and actions can only weaken our spirit. That, then, weakens our physical health.

As the image above show, I will start with a blank page for 2024. I am starting 2024 with gratitude to God for His many blessings this past year. I am grateful to the incredibly wonderful family and friends who have supported me, lifted my spirits and made me laugh at myself. There is nothing more joyful than sharing laughs with loved ones.

Here’s to God’s grace, peace and love to all.