Survivor's Day

As the saying goes: March came in like a lamb, extending the exceptionally dry and mild winter. Work at the pharmacy picked up, and I snagged a new dog walking client--energetic border collie, Carla.

I completed my eCornell certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, yet continued to devour a wide spread of library books. Most reads stem from my favorite podcast, which is hosted by ultra-endurance athlete, Rich Roll. "10% Happier," a recent find, is an entertaining read about ABC News reporter, Dan Harris, and his unexpected discovery of meditation as a tool to manage his high-stress and ambitious lifestyle. Until now, I have not been able to successfully implement meditation into my daily routine. As someone with a very "active" mind, I believe that there is much to be gained by training it to focus on the present moment. It is not an easy endeavor, but I have already begun to notice subtle changes after a few weeks of incorporating five or so mindful minutes into my day. I even tried my first group meditation at the Kadampa Meditation Center in my neighborhood. Reminiscent of the gradual progression of my plant-based journey, I am eager to begin learning more about medication theory and history.

 

On an unseasonably warm Sunday, I met my foodie friend, Dave, for a colorful vegan brunch at Watercourse Foods in Uptown. Also new on the menu: Sushi Den near Washington Park and Bonnie Brae Tavern (more diner than tavern) for the monthly vegan pizza buffet. I am infinitely happy to have finally joined the local vegan community!

 

March 9th marked the one-year anniversary of my skiing accident. This enormous milestone left me with a mixed bag of emotions. A few months ago, I listened to an interview of Monica Lewinsky. Her affair with former president, Bill Clinton, occurred before I was old enough to fully understand or form opinions. Still, I was interested to learn how she coped after the scandal surfaced, drawing parallels to the struggles that I faced after my own life-changing event. She explained how, initially, the day that the FBI investigation began was recalled as the worst day of her life; years later, however, as she recovered and grew stronger, she came to celebrate it as "Survivor's Day." The past 12 months have arguably been the most challenging of my life. The trauma of physical insult and an interrupted future pushed me to my limit. Nevertheless, with the passage of time, persistence, and the support of loved ones, I managed to emerge from the darkness. Although I continue to rehab--both physically and mentally--and search for my new path, I am confident that I am a stronger person than I was one year ago. March 9th is my Survivor's Day.

"My knee may never be the same; neither will my determination."

-Lindsey Vonn