As 2014 draws to a close,
and I reflect back on the past twelve months, I’m left with a sense
of stagnation and underachievement. Flicking through the pages of my
journal the reason is clear, for a theme of constant pain screams loudly
from its pages.
There has been an MRI, x-rays, degenerated and herniated discs, sciatica, facial nerve pain, migraines,
night sweats, night terrors, blood tests, chiropractors, physical therapy,
steroid injections, weight gain, tiredness, anger and frustration.
Interestingly, the word I
chose for 2014 was 'Breathe' and there were definitely times when it was as
simple as that . . . all I could do to carry me forward . . . and in the
breathing I found resilience, a welcome travel companion.
Despite all this, wonderful
moments managed to weave their way through the year too like publishing my
first book of poetry, celebrating 15 years of marriage, going to my first ever
concert, a visit to the UK and time spent with family.
Each New Year brings possibility
and renewed hope, a blank slate, and I wanted to choose a word that would
encourage movement, change and growth. Noticing a white feather by my side gave me an idea. I wrote words on pieces of paper, folded them up and threw them in the air . . . the one which landed closest
to the feather would be my chosen word and it couldn’t have been more
perfect. So the word that will accompany
me throughout 2015 is:
transform
: to change in form, appearance or character
Have you chosen your word yet?