At the risk of sounding dramatic, I admit that 2017 was one of my more challenging years. My knee injury was a traumatic experience that altered the course of my life. Though I am still managing the consequences, I am confident that I am a stronger person as a result. Looking ahead, I am eager to adopt several changes in my life--goals, in place of resolutions, if you will.
First, I will try to carry a new attitude--a new pattern of thoughts--about my current situation. Since the accident, my career goal to become a military pharmacist has been on hold, which has left me feeling stagnant in terms of my next move. While I still plan to move forward in that direction, there's no telling when it will happen. Instead of waiting around, I intend to explore other career opportunities, travel outside of Colorado, and spend more time with friends. I am anxious for the next chapter to begin, but life can change in an instant; for now, I remain in Colorado with a fresh perspective about living in the present.
Second, after making the transition to a (mostly) vegan diet one year ago, I am now committed to this lifestyle. I plan to cook more in the year ahead, and crowd out as much processed food as possible. As it has become a new passion of mine, I enrolled in an online certificate program through Cornell in plant-based nutrition. Whether or not this will play a role in my career as a pharmacist, I want to educate myself on the effects of nutrition on our health, the well-being of animals, and the survival of our planet.
I will work towards these goals by practicing mindfulness through yoga and meditation. Despite the tragedies that occurred last year, I remain grateful for the many blessings that were sent my way. As bad as life may seem sometimes, someone else always has it worse; be kind to others.
"Make New Year's goals. Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen in your life this year. This helps you do your part. It is an affirmation that you're interested in fully living life in the year to come."
-Melody Beattie
