I turn 51 today. Happy Birthday to me! Some folks are bummed by birthdays. They don't enjoy adding years one on top of the other. I, on the other hand, have been known to celebrate my birthdays for days. Each time I reach that special milestone on the calendar I am happy to have made it through one more year, happy to have made it so far along in life, happy to be blessed. I celebrated my 40th Birthday with a big party and my 50th Birthday with a more intimate group of friends. This year, it is again intimate, and a new opportunity to rally around my dreams resolutions and daily goals.
Last year at this time, however, I wasn't focused on my New Year Resolutions. I was terrified by ultra-sound results that showed worrisome abnormality on my left ovary. Like many women I had fibroids in my uterus. They are very common, typically benign, and in my case thanks to my doctor, closely monitored twice each year. One test led to another and the diagnosis of possible ovarian cancer, the so-called 'Silent Killer' because it is often discovered after it has progressed to an advanced stage with virtually no symptoms. Without hesitation I chose a hysterectomy and have never looked back. The tumors were benign thankfully, but that time between the first ultra-sound and the final verdict on the tumors was life-altering in many ways. I was prepared to fight cancer as so many of my friends have in recent years and I know oneday in the future I may be forced to fight serious illness, or again have major surgery - that's life. But I view today and tomorrow through a different lens - in some respects a better lens and in some respects simply a different lens.
This year, I intend to 'Have A Fabulous Birthday!', as part of my I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. Why not join me? The objective is very simple: Do at least one thing each and every day to promote health and happiness for 'YOU'. Banish the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'. Instead, make every day New Year's Day. Make every day count. The list of possibilities is infinite and can be tailored to your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals. If you need some help - a little nudge, a bit of inspiration, tips, advice, and news about the best ways to make resolutions a reality - please use IResolveTo.Com as one of your resources.
It has taken a full year to really feel like 'me' again, but I am stronger and working hard to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program, along with greater balance between work and play. I know, and have read about, so many courageous men and women who battle cancer and other serious illness, and somehow find the strength to live each day fully and with joy. I am trying to follow their lead, be present as much as possible, focus on and make time for the priorities in my life - I do know what they are and that's half the battle - and do good while I am still here on this earth. I still get crabby occasionally, and rude drivers are annoying (I get out of their way, fast), but I am more conscious of how I am spending away my time. I want to make the very best of each day and what it brings - the happy, sad, joyful moments and everything in between - because once I spend away my time, it's gone forever. Every single moment, truly, is precious.
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: I Resolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com.
Kim M. Simpson - April 21, 2009
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