Yes, this reflective title is still part of the Mid-Year Check-In to pause and take stock. The theme was catalyzed by noticing how many people in my extended circles are going through tough times. Admittedly, this may not feel like a summery topic. However, it’s important.
For, I will agree that introspection upon one’s own life can risk to become insular. When I recently had occasion to lift up my head (almost literally), I came to realize anew how vital gratitude for one’s circumstances is.
Rapid Decline
Imagine a vital woman in her 70’s (or maybe even 80’s) marching about our condo in all seasons while measuring her daily Fit-Bit steps with almost religious vigor until late last year. Even when diagnosed with cancer, she kept up her fervent striding. Fast forward to a few weeks ago returning from our outdoor recycling pergola. She and hubby were gingerly navigating our corridor via a walker with breathing tubes in her nose. She feels palliative.
Sudden Diagnosis
Shocked almost speechless, I wonder if we will even cross paths one more time so that I can offer some meaningful ‘final’ words. The same goes for aging parents of more than one friend whose trajectory from seeming health to serious hospitalization almost occurred overnight. Barely were phrases like “stage 3” out of physicians’ mouths than immediate tumor surgery was performed. IV drips sustained ‘life’ until this mother of three passed at only 75.
Ongoing Challenges
Meanwhile, the largest typical scenario is one of constant parental and other family trials. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another. I’m not sure if watching protracted suffering isn’t harder than a speedy transition. Both are devastating. Each serves to grind down the human body and spirit if one lets them. Do you start to see my point? If we don’t take time to step off the treadmill of our super-busy lives, we may be next. Young or old, illness does not appear to discriminate.
Leaving You Thinking…
Thank you in advance for bearing with me in sharing what could feel like a downer. For my part, these scenarios made me deeply thankful for the so-called simple things. The physical strength to walk and toss garbage are examples.
Stay tuned next time what I am DONE with by way of tolerations. If you wish to benefit from my customized intention-setting processes to design your life (and no one else’s), drop me a line at carolann@carolannhamilton.com
Carol-Ann Hamilton
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