Starting Life Again
August 17, 2026 – Oh dang… it’s mid-month
Can you believe that summer is almost over? Oh man… I started to write this blog yesterday on the 16th, but here we are on August 17th. I just needed the time to be a person… to rest… and to recalibrate. So… HELLO MONDAY!! I got up early, had breakfast, and finished one task for my course in the fall. Feels great!! I did my physio exercise as my mid-morning break, and now I’m back to my laptop to complete my weekly blog and reflection. Although the intention of this blog post is not about how fast summer is passing me by, I am somewhat alarmed by the idea that summer is passing me by. I had lots of intentions for “my last” (albeit my second) non-teaching term during my time in academia… so that I can get my writing done, I should never underestimate how long it takes to do things, and how easy it is to feel overworked or overwhelmed to realize how much rest plays a role with productivity along with productivity itself. I love to rest!!
Sadly, I’m not the best at resting… but I know that rest plays a role in how I approach my work. I am no longer driven by the hustle, and I love to do work, much like blogging, because it feels good and it’s aligned to who I am and what I would like to do and achieve. I am also cognizant about burnout and not losing myself in the work at the expense of me. That said, I also have to make sure that I don’t take too much on so that I can find a balance between work, play, and rest. Another aspect of my life is my physical well being along with my spiritual and mental wellness. I need to take care of myself. When I was in the hustle, I totally neglected and betrayed myself to get “the job done.” In hindsight, it feels horrible, but also my body over time has taken on the brunt of this neglect. Now, I am at age where everything now is unravelling… and needs addressing.
Over the last handful of months, I’ve been in physio. At one time, I thought my hip bipped out of place after a fall on the ice in February and Thai massage in April. Oh no… it’s a problem that had be accruing over time… a long time, I suspect… and it’s taking a long time to get my hip back. I appreciate the physiotherapy and thank goodness for experts in the field, but it’s taking a lot of time to get myself back. I have daily exercises to do… and then I participated in a pre-diabetes study to learn about what I need to do to get my body back. Damn. I am so far away from where I want/need to be. What I have learned from the physiotherapist and coach at the gym… make small doable goals, be consistent, and take small steps… be patient and persistent. OMG. Habits are so hard to change, but it’s something that needs to be done. I spent many years working on my mental and spiritual health and wellness… now it’s time focus on my physical health.
As you can see in the image above, I’m trying to focus on portion control and a balanced diet. Sadly, it’s my leftovers from the BCNE (northern exhibition) in Prince George. I ate some at the fair, I brought the leftovers home, and there is still another portion in the fridge. I am definitely noticing the “seniors” portioning of my food. I say that, but I am also cognizant of what I am eating and how much I am eating. I am not on a “diet” per se, but I am focused on what I need and my overall nutrition, keeping in mind of being pre-diabetic. Anyway, I am very aware that I don’t need a lot of food and I can still eat what I want to eat… within reason, of course. Anyway, we are not at the the crux of this blog post… being a senior. At the BCNE, I did not go out of my way to see that the ages were for the seniors rate. Although I am close, normally the senior age is out of my reach. When buying my entrance fee to the fair for my and my kid, the vendor asked if it was for two adults. I said yes. My kid go offended that she asked. “Don’t I look like I’m over 18?” I said, “Yes, you do… but I think she was asking to see if I was a senior.” As it turned out… I could have got the senior’s rate at HALF THE PRICE. And for seniors day, one-fifth of the price. UGH. I could not get over it. Money lost. Dang. Next time, I will look.