There are several things that I am leaving behind as we say goodbye to 2014 and hello to this new year. I love having a fresh start, and like most people, I strive to do better each year, whatever that looks like. Obviously I’m leaving behind a leg this year, but there are also many other things that do not deserve my attention as I begin this new chapter of life.
What I’m Leaving Behind in 2014
–Guilt. I don’t need to be attacked by guilt for my past, nor do I need to feel guilty for my present circumstances.
–Fear. Fear of the future, fear of pain, fear of relationships, fear of failure. It’s time to be bold and fierce. No room for fear here.
–Apathy. I’m tired of simply floating through life without really caring. Emotions scare me at times, but it’s time to allow myself the freedom to feel and to be more involved in my own life.
–Laziness. It’s so easy to put off studying, cleaning, or any other productive activity in favor of stuffing my face while watching TV. There’s a time and place for rest, but the flat-out laziness needs to stay in the past.
–Insecurity. I am who I am, and I need to be unapologetic about that. I think having an amputation has made me more secure because I’ve gotten used to the fact that I’ll aways be different, but all the other insecurities have no place in this new year.
–Shame. There’s no reason for me to be ashamed of my life and my story. Sure, I’ve had a less-than-normal 20 years of life, but that doesn’t mean that I should feel shame about it.
–Gossip. This is one that I have to work on each day. It’s easy to want to talk about other people, especially when they get on my nerves, but gossip never produces anything good.
–Crutches! Okay, actually, these will always be part of my life in one way or another. I mean, with one leg, I’ll need them. But I should be getting a fake leg in the next month or two, so I’ll no longer use my crutches 24/7!!!
–Negativity. I try to be a positive person, but sometimes it takes extra effort to look on the bright side. I always feel better when I’m more positive, though, so negativity can stay away.
Realistically speaking, I know that I’ll have to battle these things daily and make a conscious effort to leave them behind. However, now that I’ve named them, I am making it a personal goal to keep the items on this list as far from my life as possible.
Here’s to hoping that 2015 will be filled with overflowing joy, happiness, and health for us all! Happy New Year!
College on Crutches 