Well, 2024, You Really Outdid Yourself
This past year has been a rollercoaster I didn’t exactly sign up for. From a major back fusion surgery (yay titanium!) to our home build going hilariously over budget, to juggling job losses thanks to both my recovery and multiple consulting contracts fizzling out—and many other things I’m not ready to talk about yet so, let's just say it's been A LOT. It feels like a puzzle with a million little pieces poured out all over the floor, and I’m gathering them up and don’t quite know where to start.
When the crushing anxiety overwhelm starts to creep up on me, I do a few things to get my head together that I highly recommend:
Walking and meditating. Walking meditation has become my unexpected BFF. Whether it's a slow stroll through the woods or a few laps around cool neighborhoods while contemplating life choices (like where to get my next coffee), being in nature has become my non-negotiable sanity saver. There’s something about the rhythm of walking that makes it easier to clear my mind— I love a meditation that doesn’t require me to sit still (because honestly, I’m not great at that).
And here’s the kicker—science backs it up. Studies show that walking can boost mood, reduce anxiety, and even increase creativity. Walking outdoors has been linked to improved mental health, as exposure to nature reduces cortisol levels, which can help manage stress. Meditation, in any form, helps regulate our nervous systems, improve focus, and increase emotional resilience. A 2018 study found that just 10 minutes of walking meditation reduced anxiety and improved overall mental well-being. It turns out, I wasn’t just onto something—I was onto something good.
Here’s the thing—meditation doesn’t have to look a certain way. We don’t have to sit cross-legged in total silence or “be good at it” (whatever that means). I used to think I could never meditate because I couldn’t sit still. Turns out, I just needed to find my own way—one that works with me instead of against me. Walking, deep breathing, even stretching can all be forms of meditation. If you’ve ever felt like meditation isn’t for you, I encourage you to find what is. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to feel good.
Roll it out. No, seriously—roll it out. Foam rolling isn’t just some trendy torture device; it’s a game-changer for mobility and recovery. Think of it like giving your muscles a deep tissue massage without the awkward small talk. Post-surgery, I've had to be more strategic about my movement. Sure, I’m not flipping into handstands as fast as I used to (yet), but I’m finding hope in the little victories—mobility work, yoga, strength training, and yes, rolling out those stubborn knots like I’m kneading dough. It hurts so good.
Here’s why foam rolling is a must-do: it helps release muscle tension, improves blood flow, and enhances flexibility. Research has shown that myofascial release can increase range of motion and reduce muscle soreness, making it essential for anyone trying to boost recovery and maintain mobility—especially after something like, oh, a major back surgery! It’s like hitting the reset button on your muscles. And speaking of miracles, I finally learned to ask for help—a huge win for someone who typically insists on doing everything herself. Turns out, people actually like helping. Who knew?
So yeah, despite the stinky dumpster fire moments, I've come out of this year with some hard-earned lessons: resilience, self-compassion, and the realization that sometimes, you just have to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
If you've had a tough year too, know that it’s okay to slow down, ask for help, and take care of yourself. Your well-being matters, and sometimes, the hardest seasons teach us the most. Here’s to finding strength in the small victories, rolling with the punches, and always making time to roll it out.
Goodbye 2024 & I won’t miss you, but will remember all the lessons you gave me!