There are times that are apropos for sitting down, assessing one's life, and "seeing" whether or not you are making progress or just "existing."
That time, for me, has arrived today. Recently, after a very harried deadline period, I have been able to sit back, relax, and evaluate all that I've done or not done thus far in 2019, and how this all relates to my life at age 57 1/2. Writing: 2019 has been an extremely challenging year for my writing career. I've learned new things, new editorial perspectives, and take on more longer forms of work like articles ranging from 1,500 to over 5,000 words. I have also learned to better edit my work and be more productive. Also, at the midway point of 2019, I already have surpassed my 2018 income - a good thing. Health: "X" marks failure, especially for the past four months. Since a March injury, I have not worked out, and I have feasted on food - lots of the "fast" and "junk" variety. Not wise, especially for a soon-to-be 33-year heart attack survivor. I have ballooned, am sluggish, and many times don't embrace the day. But there's good news, though. We as a family have talked and are focused on improved health habits, including both food (we don't use the word "diet") choices and exercise regimens. Starting this Monday, I will daily perform the Body-for-LIFE program that was devised by Bill Phillips in the late 1990s. It is the one program, when I adhered to it, that worked for me and my wife. I also plan on reconnecting with my health coach. We had an agreement where, if I was lax with regard to my health, don't waste her time or mine. Well, that will be a thing of the past. Spiritually: God has kept me going. I've leaned on him, and now will lean even more. Morning prayers and scripture readings, and repeating the same in the afternoon, along with collecting thoughts in a prayer journal (by the way, prayer journaling is a practice I started in 2015 and I will soon begin my eighth journal - I recommend it highly for those looking to make a positive change) has meant much to me, kept me moving forward during very challenging times. In closing, I'll state that "challenging" is the key word. No one's life, especially mine, should be devoid of challenges. I feel, just like we welcome our joys, we should as well do the same with challenges, no matter what they are. Emerging successfully on the other side of them is what makes life worth living, revealing the presence of hope. Steve
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Steve Sears is a New Jersey based freelance writer
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