This is my last post of 2021. As you may remember, I don’t make New Years resolutions. I make goals instead. My goals this year look much different than they have in years past.
In recent years, I’ve concentrated on improving my finances, striving for publication, and living my life more efficiently. I only set one goal for 2021, and I achieved it. I wanted to publish one of my books. I did so in October with my debut short story collection, Moonbeams and Ashes. Unfortunately, my personal victory was overshadowed by a terrible illness which nearly cost me my life in September.
That experience changed my perspective on many things. I’ve never been so incapacitated before. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say I was reliant on others for a long time. I’m still not completely recovered. I lost my strength and my energy during the critical part of my illness. It’s been extremely slow to return. I still struggle with certain things like climbing stairs, or more importantly, porch steps.
In addition, I’ve developed tennis elbow on my right arm. This means I have pain when I lift things with my right hand. My grip is weak, which results in me dropping things. The most frustrating piece of this ailment, aside from the pain, is my inability to open doors with my right hand. I’m right-handed, and forget my temporary weakness until I fail at simple tasks.
Therefore, my primary 2022 goal is to improve my health. I want to build my strength back up to my former level and maybe even beyond. I want to sleep through the night without awakening in a fit of coughing. I want to be able to take a deep breath without pain. I want to open a door with my dominant hand. I want to be normal again.
My other 2022 goal is to spend time enjoying the company of my family and friends and the simple things in life. I look forward to enjoying the aroma of my lilac bush, the taste of vine ripened tomatoes, and the warm embrace of my loved ones.
The past year has been challenging for most of us in one way or another. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a new year and fresh possibilities.
Happy New Year, my friends! May 2022 be good to all of us!
I am an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad
Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please subscribe to Ozarks Maven, Like Ozarks Maven on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter @OzarksMaven.
Comments