One Quilter’s Ultimate New Year Resolution
Let’s face it. 2020 has been a year that most of us would like to forget. Between the political upheaval, citizen unrest and a little thing called a Pandemic, 2021 couldn’t come soon enough, am I right? However, for me, 2020 will be leaving a permanent mark. A mark that I can choose to let defeat me. Or one that will inspire me to reach beyond my dreams.
Where the trouble started
Before I sat down to begin writing this post, I took a look at my schedule for the coming week. And there it was. The appointment staring back at me like a black stone in a clear lake. Wednesday morning is my first Echocardiogram (ECG).
The whole thing started about 5 months ago when I joined our local gym. They were open with limited access but I knew I needed some accountability to keep up with my health goals. Especially if I’m going to be tip top for leading all you lovely Quilters in our upcoming Quilt Tours!
So, my work with the trainer began. We started with some solo routines and some team workouts (via virtual and distanced). At first, I was really winded. Of course, it had been a while since I was on a regular routine so I didn’t think anything of it.
But the breathing problems continued. Week after week I just figured I wasn’t breathing correctly during exercise or I was just THAT out of shape. That is until one workout a few weeks ago when I couldn’t catch my breath.
We were only half way through the class when I collapsed and couldn’t breathe. Well, I was breathing deeply but it was like no oxygen was getting through. It was at that point that I knew something was wrong. This was more than me simply not breathing correctly.
Of course, I immediately called my doctor’s office. We had a phone consult the next morning and he scheduled me for the ECG and a few other heart and lung tests. I know that we don’t yet know what is going on. This could all just be a case of aerobic asthma. Or, it could be something… else.
I’ll be honest. I’m scared.
SO, what now?
If you’ve been following me for awhile you probably know that I tend to be a pretty optimistic person. After living with depression and anxiety struggles for most of my life, I try very hard to stay positive and always find the bright side in any situation. I’m kind of a ‘go with the flow’ kind of girl these days.
Well, this one is testing me. And there are moments when I fail. But after all the worry and going back and forth in my head, I’ve finally come to one simple decision.
No matter what my diagnosis is, large or small, hard or simple, short or long term, I’m going to live my best life. Period.
I’m going to start checking off all the things on my Bucket List. Every. Single. One. Because you know what? We are never promised tomorrow. So, why should we not make the most of every moment? Of every day? Why should it take a major health scare to decide, really commit, to doing all those things we’ve been wanting to do? Let’s just DO them!
Even if we’re ‘healthy as a horse’, let’s take a page from Tim McGraw and ‘Live Like (We) Were Dying’. Whether it’s heading to Branson, MO, visiting the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum or attending that Quilt Show in Japan. Whether it’s spending more time with family or reaching out to that one person you’ve been afraid to call for whatever reason, call them now. Don’t wait another day.
Because today turns into tomorrow. Tomorrow turns into next week and then you blink and another year has passed you by. We can either let 2020 just kick us in the rear and sit down. Or, we can use that kick as a jump start into the best days of our life.
No matter what my tests show, I’m choosing to be incredibly thankful for this experience. Because even the possibility of the end can be a stark reminder of the importance of living in the now. So bring it on 2021. I’m ready for everything you’ve got!!
If you’d like to keep up with my Bucket List challenge – sign up for my newsletter! I’ll be sharing all of my grand adventures (including our BIG trip to Iceland in August!) as well as Quilty Travel Tips, planning, budgeting, savings, and more! Click HERE to sign up and receive my FREE Shop Hop planner!
Related Posts:
- Complete List of Quilt Shows in 2021 and their current status
- Planning a Road Trip Shop Hop? Start HERE!
- Complete Lists of Quilt Shops in the USA
Leave a Reply