It’s been several years since I did an annual Life Lessons post. They all seemed to be so bitter, so negative. When I was done typing, I’d invariably end up deleting them. So, as I approach 10 years as a single woman, did actual Christmas gift shopping and mailed out Christmas cards, here goes:
Colleen’s Life Lesson 2023
#1: Modern Medicine is nothing more than highly educated guesses. My Mom has had several heart scares this year, and I’ve struggled with my medications that allow me to live with Musical Ear Syndrome. The best medicine is a doctor’s education and experiences with patients who have similar conditions. When the patient doesn’t respond like everyone else or the condition is so rare even the specialists have never treated a case, treatment is mere guesswork. That’s not to underestimate doctors, surgeons, PAs or any other medical professional. But it is merely all highly educated guesses. I’ve been fortunate to work in partnership with my therapist, my psychiatrist, my surgeon and my PCP – all of whom have helped me come up with therapies and combinations of medications to survive MES and the stress it creates. But it has been all guesswork, trial attempts to find what works. Same for my Mom.
#2: I’m not interested in dating or having a partner in my life. After 10 years of living single, I’ve become very protective of my home, my time and my energy. For the first time, I actually had a few dates this past year. Met some nice guys and a random few not-so-nice guys. Part of my reluctance is that I always put my husband’s and my son’s needs before my own when I was married. Everything was focused around their jobs, careers, hobbies and education. Whatever I wanted was acceptable only so long as it didn’t interfere with their plans. I refuse to live like that ever again – and sometimes that’s what it takes for a relationship to work. So, sorry guys, I really believe I will be #single4life and I’m actually kind of enjoying it for a change.
#3: If you’re not likeable, you’re career is going nowhere. This has always been the hardest concept for me to accept. I’ve always believed that hard work, dedication and evolving skills were always more important in a person’s career advancement. I prided myself on always meeting deadlines, doing my best work and being eager to take on new challenges that forced me to learn new skills. But the sad reality is that none of that matters one tiny bit if you act like a jerk at work. The boss has to like you to get ahead. It’s really that simple. Maya Angelou was on to something when she said people will forget what you said or what you did, but they always remember the way you made them feel.
So there you have it – three life lessons that this past year has taught me. What has 2023 taught you? Please comment below!
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