How Incredibly Fortunate I Am

For a year now, I have been experiencing extreme discomfort. A correct medical diagnosis took many months, and resulted in a challenging and delicate surgery. As I reflect on this past year, I do so from a space and place that remains painful and frightening. How I feel right now could indeed be my new normal.

What I have learned from sitting in such discomfort, especially during those moments when I can barely hold it together to function, is that I am filled with gratitude for all of the years that came before this one—all of the holiday seasons that I was healthy and strong and created incredible memories and traditions with my loved ones—my birth family, my friends, my own nuclear and extended family of beautiful souls—who all came together to celebrate our love for one another year after year.

More surprisingly, I am filled with gratitude right now this very moment, even while I am fairly debilitated, exhausted, and disheartened. I have been given the gift of humility and increased empathy. I have been forced off the express lane onto the back roads, and it is here that I am truly discovering who I am, what I have to offer, and what I need in order to thrive as I venture down this brand new path.

How incredibly fortunate I am.

As New England welcomes a healing blanket of pure white this Christmas Eve, I wish you all a restful, joyful, and restorative holiday season.