New Year…New Rollercoaster Ride

Happy New year to you and yours. I am not one for New Year’s resolutions. After all, with the attention span of a squirrel, it seems senseless. I am one for a moment to reflect and to reflect on how thankful I am to simply be alive.

Crazy reflection, right? I am only 55 years old, and yet after brushing the edge of death from a terrible infection (sepsis) in my expander after a double mastectomy…. I recognize the gift of life after almost having it taken away at 48 years of age. There are so many cliche’s today, such as, “Live your Best Life”. How does one really define the word best? For me, the meaning no longer includes making a bucket list with jaw dropping experiences.

Best, for me, now means simply being in a state of peace. Simply, not having my heart face in the middle of the night due to overthinking. Now, best, means a walk in the woods. Best means watching a sunset over and over. Best means enjoying the birds at the feeder. Best means keeping in touch via text, phone, letters or BEST yet moments when I can cherish family and friends in person.

Living my best life, now means embracing the roller coaster ride….called life. When I had 8 surgeries in 5 years, I felt like I had an unlimited ride wrist band strapped on me on a ride to hell. Now, I have ripped that wrist band off, and hopped off the breast cancer roller coaster. Now, I choose to forget the “C” word and choose to see goodness in each day. This is my best life.

It may not be fancy. It may not be pretty. It may not be without set back or pain. It may not be easy. It is however, simply my best.

We all have one finger print for a reason. Make it your best day, it good times and bad.

One life. One print.

Make it your best,

Natalie Zeleznikar