As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I’m happy for a new beginning

If you’ve been reading my columns over the summer, you’ll know it’s been difficult for me lately. To say I have had some challenges would be an understatement.

I’ve faced new diagnoses and tried new medications for my hereditary angioedema. Some have helped, but others actually made things worse. It’s been a long, cruel summer, but I’m finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

While working through the challenges with my health, I believe finding a balance is important, physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. My counselor has me focusing on taking steps to prioritize all of these aspects of self-care while I recover. As a busy mom and caregiver, it hasn’t been easy for me to redirect and focus on myself.

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One thing that’s helped is my faith. It’s not so much about observance and prayer, but rather seeing the analogy of my health journey in the cycle of the biblical year. In Judaism, we follow a different calendar, and Rosh Hashanah ushers in the new year, 5787, next week.

We begin preparing for the holiday a month in advance. It’s a time of introspection and self-evaluation, with a focus on how we can improve our lives and relationships in the coming year. This has especially resonated with me this year. Due to my physical trials, I’ve had to seriously refocus on what I can manage physically and mentally, which in turn affects me socially and emotionally.

Over the summer, I had to really scale back all of the things I do and to focus on just being. A good day amounted to getting out of bed, practicing good hygiene, getting dressed, eating well, taking my medications, and exercising. A great day was accomplishing all of that, plus one more thing, such as doing household chores, writing, shopping, or attending a doctor’s appointment.

Over the past month, I’ve joyfully started seeing some improvements and can do a bit more each week. This has boosted both my morale and my gratitude. This is exactly the point of the month that leads up to the high holiday season — to find clarity in retrospection. I’m so grateful to have experienced it in such a tangible way.

I’m also experiencing the subtle signs of the new season that’s about to begin. From my window, I can see the leaves starting to change, the days growing shorter, the sun setting farther south on the horizon, and the evening air blowing cooler. I am ready for autumn!

Even if you don’t celebrate, I hope that you enjoy the change of season and find beauty in it. May the coming year bring you sweetness and joy!

Note: Angioedema News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Angioedema News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to angioedema.