An Exercise in Embracing the Present

“Everyday is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.”

I used to chalk this quote up to the ‘well ain’t that sweet’ category. I haven’t always embraced the present, more often I’ve been looking to the past or flying into the future at warp speed.  Yet, looking back at the past year, I am so grateful to have spent more time in the present. I LOVE my life and I am blessed, healthy, and working to live my best life every darn day.  

Overcoming Brain Surgery by Focusing on the Present

A year ago, at the end of June, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, likely a meningioma, and scheduled for surgery within a matter of days.  I didn’t have time to process the severity of my health nor what surgery and the recovery would look like (in hindsight that is a blessing for me and my former worrying self).  

I had two successful surgeries, a drain in my head (think a beer funnel but way smaller coming out of the front of my head for a few days), and multiple scans. After three nights in the hospital I was released home to rest and recover.  And my former self jumped into ‘You are a badass’ mode so of course I wanted to do it faster, better, prettier, and stronger than most.  I don’t advise this path but hey we all have to find our own way, eh?

Don’t get me wrong, I was walking, eating real food, showering (with a little help) all within the first few days. My family (my amazing husband and sister in law extraordinaire) made sure that I rested my brain, painted, listened to music, and shied away from phone, electronics and the sort. I was told to rest – and I am not exactly patient or a good listener in this category. I mean hey, I was driving, YES DRIVING within two weeks of surgery.   I had been cleared by my docs and was well on my way to recovery, until, well, I wasn’t.

You see, I was reading a book by Dr. Joe Dispenza, “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” and limiting my time on technology, work email, my phone etc. I was (and still am) napping.  I was really trying to rest, but I wasn’t actually listening to my body. Somewhere it hit me that unless you want the same outcome, you have to change the way you live your life.  CHANGE! How was I to do that?

Day by day, little by little, I have been working to change how I show up for myself. Like any ‘work in progress’ some days are better than others.  Recently, I made a list of all that I did, accomplished, experienced, attempted, etc. for the past year (using photos on my phone to jog my memory).  

Here’s what I know about the past year:

• I read a LOT; and I am still reading;

• I played a lot of golf; and I am still playing;

• I worked on my health a lot; and I am still working on it: nutrition, movement, gut sensitivity, hydration, energy, and meditation (to name a few) and I wear my Oura ring religiously; 

• I am learning to not push my body to complete my to do list; shoot I am really working to not have to do lists;

• I celebrate a lot; in fact I just completed my 250th pilates class (over the past few years);

• Sometimes my movement is walking arnie in the morning and then dancing as we prepare dinner; 

• I am learning to rest more, naps are okay and not a sign of weakness; and sometimes I just sit still with my legs up a wall.

• I don’t owe anyone an explanation;

• I am trying to incorporate a lot of unique experiences in living my best life: blowing glass, attempting calligraphy, spending more time horseback riding, donating my time at a women’s shelter, arranging flowers for church regularly, planning creative get togethers, trying bungee fitness, and spending time daily in nature;

• I am learning a lot about trees, owls, plants and other odds and ends

When I look back at the books I have read, the steps I have walked, the strides I have made in my health, the boundaries I have learned to enforce, the creative outlets I am trying, and just what the year after surgery entailed with lots of fun, joy, challenges, and support, I can tell you, WHOA. I am blown away.  And for those moments (we all have them) where I forget or get a little downtrodden, I almost instinctively feel the little divot in my head where my ‘brain drain” was and it reminds me only I can walk this path - light and dark, hard times and joy.  SO if I can do this, you, too, can walk your path.

Try it Yourself: Presence Exercise

Oftentimes, the best way to appreciate the present is to reflect on how far you’ve come. When was the last time you took an inventory of your life and what you have done? 

It’s time to create your own list of accomplishments. Here’s how you can do it:

Find Somewhere to Record It: Get a notebook or open a note in your phone where you can freely jot down your thoughts.

Set Aside Time: Dedicate a quiet hour without interruptions to reflect on your past year or a significant period. Use your memory to start, but scrolling through old photos, or reviewing old journals can help ensure you don’t forget anything.

List Your Achievements: Write down everything you accomplished, big or small. Include personal growth, health improvements, hobbies you picked up, and any new experiences.

Reflect on Each Item: Take a moment to consider how each accomplishment made you feel and its impact on your life. Most importantly, use it as a reminder to be grateful for the present. 

You don’t have to earn rest. You listen to your body and rest REGULARLY!!!  I can assure you it is progress over perfection and here’s to your joy, inspiring, positivity infused rising. We can do this together!