Health and Wellness...it is all so fleeting

My younger brother had a heart attack yesterday. As dreadful as that is, he had a lot of things work in his favor throughout the ordeal. Thank goodness. He is recovering in the ICU. My brother is 55 years old.

Health and wellness, although never too far from my thoughts, are getting more important all the time. My life and lifestyle are so completely different than they were just over two years ago. I’ve been wrestling with that in my day to day. Before 2020 I was caught up in the frenzy of it all. I was aware, just not focused. It wasn’t my highest priority.

About a month or so ago I joined a nutrition network. My eating habits need work. Prior to menopause I was graced with a wonderful metabolism and a natural desire for movement. It all worked so well then. Although I continued to be active, post menopause, I was losing strength and flexibility.

When I turned 40, I passionately got into yoga. It became the focus of my life, and I just couldn’t seem to get enough. About 5 years ago or so, that all changed. It was almost like a light just slowly fading out. Toward the end, my only practice was teaching and leading a collective weekly practice. My personal practice faded long ago. Recently, I have rediscovered it. It is so much more than movement. Yoga is about a spiritual connection for me. Body, mind and spirit.

Trying to rebuild life in the wake of the pandemic is challenging. How gradually it all seemed to shift. I feel like I am constantly trying to find my footing. My life, like the rest of the people on our planet, was significantly altered. Thankfully without too much angst. Each of us have our own unique set of circumstances, or points along the journey, where the disruption hit. As well as how fiercely it hit.

My spouse and I were planning to slow down, move and transition. That was the five-year plan for us in 2020. Our bodies and pursuits were changing. It was time to shift focus. Time to get ready for retirement. The stages of life. Goals and plans realized. Or, pretty close. No matter how much you plan for retirement, or aging, it is an adjustment. Soon, you are in a place where you strive a bit less and reflect a bit more. It is so strange to enter this time while the rest of the world is also resettling.

We are all facing health and wellness issues. So much more acutely. I pray my brother will recover fully. I also pray for those supporting his journey.