Wow, I can’t believe it’s 2023 already! Time sure has its way of flying by!
The new year is usually a time where we reflect on the lessons learned from the past year and how we can move forward into the next. Often the focus may be on significant events that happened in our lives. We may even reflect on memories with family and friends and even honor those we lost. One thing that is prominent at this time is that we are encouraged to think back to our personal journeys, how we have slacked or improved on our goals while simultaneously anticipating the vibe for the upcoming year.
Reflections
For me, I have noticed my overall theme from 2022 was reflection. I had to constantly reflect upon my goals, how far I’ve come and where I’d like to go. I was constantly checking in with myself every so often. For example, when it came to my efforts in gaining to reach a healthy weight, I had to keep in mind the many things that can affect it such as new unique yoga routines and weightlifting exercises. Not only did I have to keep a close eye on the foods I could eat because of a restrictive renal eating regimen, but I also had to keep my stress in check to keep lupus flares away.
It is a balance that can be challenging but is doable. I really went in this past year getting into the deeper science of how it all works for myself. Through this experience, I learned that it is necessary to keep things in harmony and in moderation. That includes keeping mental wellness in check as well because a chronic condition will surely test your strengths in more ways than one.
This journey can be demanding as it requires to keep a level head, while having a deeper understanding of how my body metabolizes things a bit differently. My cheat days are not like the ordinary cheat days to a healthy person with no diagnosis. Something as simple as eating too much of what is a typical health food, like avocados, can throw me off if not balanced correctly due to end stage renal disease. While I don’t get too deep into actually counting every calorie and nutrient I take in, I definitely utilize, a balance of intuition and logic to accomplish my goals. As I mentioned in previous articles and videos, my doctors would be very alarmed if something was off because I am very stable considering the cards I’m working with.
Lessons
As 2022 came towards the end of the Fall season and into Winter, I entered into a deeper state of reflection. The energy just felt right, and I eased into it. Each day I have begun to notice certain themes and lessons given to me by each scenario (health or otherwise) that jolted strong emotional feelings, whether they were happiness, sadness, anger, love, etc. I took the moment to step back and focus on all aspects of each scenario and what the lesson was that I got from it.
I also had to learn to deal with my expectations when it came to myself and others. For example, through my observations and interactions, I had learned that not everyone is as open to certain aspects of healing. Through their experiences and my own, respectively, not everyone has the optimist outlook, regardless of what science may say or not. To be honest, they have every right to feel the way they do based on their experiences just as I. I also recognized that my experience is unique and so are theirs, yet I share my story and others for those who are in alignment or wish to move in that direction.
When you really take a sincere look into how you are affected by and how you affect other people and things, you can gain a much deeper insight. If you utilize these lessons correctly, you have the ability to improve your life in so many ways. It has become clear this is how true growth is made. So, while 2022’s overall theme was mostly an introspective time for me, especially in its final months, I look forward to what is to come for 2023.
2023 Is For…
While now is a time New Year’s resolutions are usually set, I do not have any significant new ones as my intention is to continue going with the flow and achieving my health goals. Essentially, my intended purpose for 2023 is to continue staying healthy with focus on proper self-care with lupus and end stage renal disease diagnosis. I also would like to continue to inspire those who are able and open to making positive changes in their lives.
Remember to stay active in your self-care!
Much Love,
*~Netert Aset~*
What sort of lessons did 2022 teach you and how will you apply it in 2023?
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This is a very inspirational post. That’s for your vulnerability in sharing your experiences with Lupus and ESRD. I have a family member who has Lupus and as a Nutritionist, I understand how restrictive the diet of those living with renal failure can be. 2022 was mixed with bitter and sweet. All we can do is learn from those experiences and pray for a healthy and better 2023.
Thank you, Kevin. It is always great to have someone in your corner who can be helpful on your healing journey. Thanks for being understanding to your family member and I who deal with this condition. Enjoy your day!
I don’t believe I’ve ever made a new years resolution, so it’s a great idea to just recommit yourself to the goals you’re already working on. I wish you all the best with getting the results for your goals that you’re looking
Thank you. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your post, it is extremely open and honest which will help others. I like to set goals or habits. But I am making sure I don’t put too much pressure on myself. Thank you for sharing. I hope 2023 is good for you!
Lauren
Thank you. Yes, it’s good to keep in moderation. I think it yields the best results. 🙂
Love what this year’s theme is about! Healthiness is so important – better to take preventive measures than having to always worry about going to the doctors and such. hopefully the year will be well for you!
Thank you, Nancy. 🙂 It reminds me of a saying something along the lines of ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. May your year be a healthy one.