Monday, December 20, 2021

2021 Year in Review: Finding My STRONG

When I chose the word STRONG as my word for 2021, I clearly had no idea how deep I was going to have to dig to find my strong. At the time, I already realized that 2021 was going to be challenging. I think that after 2020, we were all crazy optimists and thought things were going to be better. We were so full of hope for the new year. Of course, nothing magical happened with the turn of the calendar. It never does. I know that and you know that. But it never hurts to hope, right?

The year kicked off with that turmoil in Washington D.C. and I started off the year battling anxiety and despair. But instead of succumbing to my feelings, I acknowledged them and vowed to "find my strong". At times, it felt as if the universe was out to test me on this declaration! I had a lot of personal struggles this year, besides that battle with depression and anxiety. There were some significant injuries--the tendon tear in my wrist, SJ joint dysfunction, and the broken ankle and foot. I didn't figure on starting the year with an injury bingo card!

I already reviewed my year of bling, so I'm not going to talk about races in this post. Instead, I'm going to use the outline of my original word of the year post from last January to evaluate how I did on my journey to find my strong. Did I find it?

Grand Tetons National Park

At the beginning of this year, I vowed to summon up my STRONG. 

Because I am STRONG and I can push back.

STRONG on the road and on the trails. I started off the year running strong. I ran 4 good races before my broken ankle and foot. I was running my fastest times since my diagnosis with RA. After my injury, I vowed to stay fit and ready to hit the road as soon as I could. I started off by riding my bike in the trainer. Clipping into the pedals kept my foot and ankle stable and I was able to push myself hard. In July, I took a trip up to Door County with my youngest son. Determined not to ruin his vacation, I stayed active in the water, floating on my SUP while he paddled alongside me. We even hiked around Rock Island. As I continued to recover, I discovered the magic of pool running, which I continue to enjoy to this day. A full 6 weeks after my injury, I was cleared to restart waterskiing and went to Alabama to visit Holly. I came home with her pretty pink ski and enjoyed a lot of time riding the wake on Lake Wisconsin as well. The rest of the summer was spent hiking the trails and eventually resuming running. My sister and I traveled to Jackson Hole Wyoming in October and we explored Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks. Finally feeling pretty well healed, I joined the local chapter of the Trail Sisters on their bimonthly trail runs. 

The iconic Busse Woods bridge in June

STRONG in the gym. Sammy Jo likes to remind me that when I fell, I left the gym unassisted and drove myself home. She says that the people I was working out with were shocked when she told them I broke my ankle and foot. For sure, I didn't want to make a scene. Maybe it was the adrenaline. Maybe it was denial that I was badly hurt. Maybe it's because when I work with Sammy Jo, she pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me stronger physically and mentally. I returned to the gym in September, about 2 months after my injury. Both Sammy Jo and I were surprised at how little strength I lost during my time off. I continued to do home strength and finally returned to the WOD in December.

That one time I did a strict-ish pull-up in June

STRONG mother to my boys. This year made me realize how grown up they've become. My youngest son re-enrolled in school after taking the year off last year in lieu of attending virtual classes. He worked full-time all year and saved quite a bit of money. My oldest son is finishing his 5 year electrician apprenticeship this year and is currently working nights. He started looking at real estate in the city, hoping to buy a 2 flat. I'm just so proud of both of them. They text me often and invite me to spend time with them, which makes my heart happy.

Enjoying a few brews while watching the Badgers lose

STRONG wife to my hubs. The hubs and I continue to navigate life as empty nesters. I swear, in a way, it's like starting over again! We spent a lot of time up in Wisconsin at the lake house. We did a lot of much-needed work on our Illinois house this year. We still have a lot of projects on tap. He's been my rock through this very tumultuous year. 

Dining out in Baraboo, Wisconsin

STRONG friend and coworker. 2020 put a damper on a lot of social activities and even this year, getting together with friends has been a challenge. I was able to visit Holly twice, and Teresa joined us once, which was great. Most of my socializing was with my coworkers--even though we work together, we all really do like each other too! I'm lucky to work with such a great team.

Paddling on the slough with Holly and Teresa

STRONG sister. My sister Lisa finished chemo earlier this year and was declared cancer-free! She'll still have to take a few medications but is so glad to be done with that ordeal. I'm glad to be there for her; she was there for me when I broke my ankle and foot. We're already talking about next year's sister trip.

Brunch with Lisa in April

STRONG daughter. I am fortunate to still have both of my parents, but as I'm sure many of you know, it's tough to see them getting older. I talk to my mom weekly and send my dad memes, which makes him laugh. I don't see them nearly enough. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year, which was an amazing milestone. 

Mom and Dad's 60th anniversary party

STRONG nurse to my patients. As you might imagine, my job as a pediatric nurse practitioner has changed dramatically this year. Our clinic opened back up to sick patients in August, right before the Delta variant took over the country. Now we are seeing a ton of positive COVID cases in kids. We have a lot of uncomfortable conversations with skeptical parents about the vaccines and mask wearing. The other major change in my job is the mental health crisis we are experiencing in kids and teens. At least 30-40% of my day is spent managing anxiety and depression, which is something I rarely used to treat. It is overwhelming and definitely challenging. I'm glad I took that board exam in 2019 for pediatric mental health, but at the time, I had no idea how much I'd be using it. It's not what I signed up for, but it's what is needed right now.

Two of my favorite patients!

STRONG heart. Let me just say it. Right now people are mean. I have never seen so much anger and rudeness in my life. It's everywhere--at the stores, on the road, and at my work. I have been trying really hard to take a step back and NOT ENGAGE when people challenge me. I have to remind myself that it's their issue and not mine. I'm trying hard to be kind, even when people aren't kind to me.

Lake Wisconsin sunset in April

STRONG in my beliefs. I'm holding tight to following the science when making decisions both in my clinic and in my life. It's how I was trained and it's how I've approached living with RA. I'll continue to share evidence-based information about training and nutrition, as well as disease management here on the blog as well as in my job.

My second dose of the vaccine in January

STRONG in mind. This is always a work in progress. This year, I have been getting overwhelmed really easily. I think part of this is my anxiety, but it's just also the world around us. I was able to trial a wellness app, Happify, and also participate in a study for RA patients using the app. I need to be better about starting my day with the app because I do notice a big difference in how I feel after using it. Let's all remember to just breathe...

Easter run on the IAT into Devil's Lake State Park

I think finding my STRONG is going to be an ongoing goal for me. What was your word for 2021 and how did you honor it this past year? If you didn't have a word for the year, how was your year overall? 

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics, with the Runners' Roundup: DebbieDeborahJenLaura, and Lisa.

 

27 comments :

  1. I love how you explored your strength in all aspects of your life. These past almost 2 years have been challenging on so many levels. Injuries are so humbling and challenging and you did a magnificent job of recovering from yours. finding your own strengths and honing in on them is the way to persevere. I agree empty nesting is like a whole different relationship especially during a pandemic. It is great to have older kids to form adult relationships with. Cheers to an even stronger 2022

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    1. 100% agree that having adult children is the absolute best! Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Strength will definitely be an ongoing goal for me.

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  2. Strong is what I think of when it comes to you!!

    Love this post... in spite of it all, you have many positive memories. I'm glad they included your family and work.

    My word was resilient and I think I was and I am!!

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    1. I'd definitely agree with resilient for you! Or energetic...lol

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  3. What a lovely review, Wendy! Choosing "strong" as your word for 2021 was providential.
    My parents will have their 60th wedding anniversary next year. You are right, it's tough to see them age.
    My year overall was excellent. However, there is one big dark shadow: in September, my younger brother died at 43. He lived a wild and self-destructive life (he died of heart- and kidney failure). Still, it came as a shock, especially for my parents. 2021 will forever be the "year Tim died".
    I think "strong" is an ongoing goal for me, too!

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    1. Oh gosh, Catrina, I am so sorry about your brother. I have a sister, who I never talk about on the blog, who is much like your brother. I feel for your parents. It has to be hard for them to accept.

      We are going to need our strong in 2022, I think!

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  4. When you break it down like that - you should be SO incredibly proud of yourself. You have been STRONG in so many critical areas of your life - from being a runner to a daughter to a sister to a mum to a wife to a health professional, the list goes on... You are STRONG. And I've just noticed Darlene's comment - I also think of you when I think of STRONG. And whenever you doubt yourself, come back to this post.

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    1. Good idea, Shathiso! I don't always feel strong, that's for sure. It's a good reminder to myself that I can be strong when I need to.

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  5. I didn't have a word in January, but "Comeback" definitely describes 2021 for me. Down 33 pounds to date, I've gotten rid of the junk that followed be through peri-menopause, and I'm feeling better than I have in about 6 years.

    I so agree with you about how angry and unkind people are. It's a different world from when I was a child and my mom drilled into all four of us, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Sad that many are so disagreeable when we disagree.

    You've overcome so much this year, Wendy. Strong indeed!

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    1. You had a great year and I'm so happy for you. That 33 pound weight loss had to make such a huge difference in both your physical and mental health!

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  6. Strength is definitely something we all need to embrace, and not something to take for granted. I didn't have a word for 2021, but a mantra of sorts: Blissful persistence. It kept me focused on finding the joy through all the struggles (and craziness) around me and in the world. We just gotta keep on keeping on ;-)

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    1. I'm still not sure what your mantra means but I'm glad it motivated you!

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  7. Your 2021 word, strong, certainly was something that you leaned on in many aspects of your life this past year. Here's to 2022 being a kinder year for you.

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    1. I'm hoping for something kinder as well. I'm glad you appreciate it! :p

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  8. You really did show just how strong you are this year! As much as I knew 2021 wouldn't be magically better, I didn't expect it to be as challenging as it was. But we got through it! I want to be hopeful for next year but it is really hard right now!

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    1. I'm feeling much less optimistic about 2022 than I was a month ago! I'm hoping that this new variant will do its thing and maybe boost immunity in everyone. Then maybe it will burn itself out. Sigh.

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  9. A very beautiful review! I like your attitude.
    Family is very important to face all the problems and we are lucky because we have wonderful families.
    We also have a lake house: a quiet place to spend good time far from the crowded city.

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  10. Gonna try again. Strong is a great word — it was mine for 2020, I think, or maybe 2019. 2021 definitely threw you a lot of curveballs but you overcame them all!

    I start my day with yoga because it definitely makes for a much calmer start to my day.

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  11. Is it bad that sometimes I think the January 6 incident took place in 2020? It's like my brain can't comprehend that it happened this year because 2021 has felt like 10 years. Such another crazy year!

    STRONG was definitely the right word for 2021. With so much happening this year - personally and professionally - you were strong and preserved through everything!

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    1. Haha, I kind of like preserved as the word choice, lol! And no, it's not bad to think that Jan 6 incident took place last year. Because in my mind, 2020 didn't even happen. At least, that's how it feels to me!

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  12. Strong is truly the ideal word for you Wendy and you demonstrated that strength in every aspect of your life! Bravo my friend!

    Here's to a kinder, more gentle 2022!

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  13. That is the PERFECT word for you!! I am glad this year is almost to the end. It's been quite and adventure with many ups and downs.

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