( I have written about this before, but this year it seems my perspective has continued to evolve)
Four years ago, in October of 2016 I saw a post from a friend of a friend about a mile a day walking challenge. Basically the idea was walk one mile a day for the next 31 days. At the time I was overweight, exhausted all the time, depressed, dealing with the realization I had onset of Chronic pain from an accident several years before, and dealing with years of ongoing chronic migraine. I was a mess, to put it nicely. But something about this particular post caught my eye and grabbed my attention. I decided, why not? What is the worst that will happen? I wont complete the challenge, which is my usual SOP, or I will. I had no idea that I was about to embark on a life changing adventure, that continues to this day. On my worst days, particularly in the beginning, there were times I would walk about half a mile and feel like I could not breathe trying to get back home, or to my car. On my best days I would walk an easy mile and a half or even two miles and not feel exhausted.
To play off the quote from Angelica in Hamilton " You want a resolution? I want a Revelation!"
Resolutions just make me depressed, frustrated and never last more than a few weeks, if that. What i needed was a revelation. And over the past four years I have found that. For some reason it was a revelation that I was indeed in control of some of my health. In my food choices, in my physical activities, and in my mindset. Even though the last four years have been and probably continue to be the hardest of my life. Many things that are out of my control contribute to my health challenges. The neck injury caused by a car accident caused (and sometimes still does cause) chronic pain, leading me to need prescription pain meds for the last 7 years. My genetic makeup creates an uphill battle in regards to blood pressure, cholesterol, joint issues, migraines, and weight. I am also predisposed to depression and anxiety. And have recently realized I might be dealing with an Autoimmune issue as well.
So, when you look at that all together you wonder if there really is anything you can do to combat all of that. But, over the last fours years I have realized that yes. There are things I can do. My plans for 2021 take that realization and make a loose plan.So, as I look back four years ago and then look forward I have the following I plan to do during 2021, the Lord willing and the creak don't rise. (showing my southern roots here!)
I want to up my yearly walking mileage to 300 for the year. I plan to continue to work with my doctors and specialist to improve my health. And I will continue to do my own research into diet and exercise to find the best approach for myself personally, and hopefully help my husband as well. I am forever grateful for that fateful day when I saw that post and decided to challenge myself.
So, 2021, here I come.
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