10/5/09

Changing Priorities

This year I took the very necessary decision to take decisive action against my thyroid gland. For over two years I have battled with the auto-immune condition Graves Disease, and it was becoming clear the drugs were never going to work.

I chose to keep this decision to myself and only a handful of people knew when I had the procedure done. The months immediately afterwards were a major trial. I was taken off all medication except blood pressure meds and left to work through the aftermath, whilst still working full-time. The new drugs were introduced and 'finding the right dose' started. This has not been easy to say the least!

In fact I will always remember 2009 as my 'lost year'. Until the middle of September I was little more than a zombie on the evenings and weekends. July and early August were the very worst months, I quite literally did nothing but sleep, sit in a daze and sleep some more. Hypothyroidism had set in, plus for awhile I was taking blood pressure meds I no longer needed.

I know many friends have felt neglected or wondered why I was suddenly so unsociable. I think some I lost along the way, but other friends just understood, even when they'd had no explanation. Well it's hard to do anything when your pulse is running at 60 or below and you have no energy! The Hubster was a pillar of strength, never complained about my lack of conversation or activity and just waited patiently.

Well finally everything started to level out in mid-September, the Hubster got his wife back and I finally got some energy back.

But having that time to think has changed my priorities. I no longer find myself inspired to blog regularly, now I want to spend time going in a different direction.

I want to concentrate (when I'm not working) on my fiction writing and developing my passion for photography to it's full potential. I want time to explore yoga and meditation, to help my physical and spiritual being recover from two years of sickness. I need to give time to restore my fighting spirit, 'joie de vivre' and reconnect with friends. And last but definitely not least, I need to spend time with the Hubster enjoying life to the full again.

I am not giving up my blog, I am just reorganising my priorities to where they need to be. There maybe more activity on my photography blog and I will blog here only when I feel the need or get inspired. It may well be more sporadic, but I hope it'll be worth the wait and some of you will still come visit.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sarah, I'm so thrilled to read that you are once again feeling energised and ready to live life filled with all that is important to you.

Good luck with your plans and I for one will look out for your posts as and when.

San Francisco Mike said...

I look forward to seeing more of your photos on your other website.

Sassy Britches said...

Godspeed to you, my friend. You do what you need to do, and we'll support you all the way! Glad you're getting back into the swing of life.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Sarah, I'm so glad you're feeling better. I wish you all the best and will check in on your blog from time to time just to see what's new in your world. I think it's a great idea to reorganize priorities - thanks for the reminder : )

Pam said...

Girl, you go live your life first and blog later and only if you are feelin' it! Glad you are settling in to a dosage. You know I totally get it. See you soon! Tell hubster hello from us!

Gaelyn said...

Sarah, priorities in life change all the time, or should. I'm glad your getting your health back and yoga and meditation should speed up your recovery. Look forward to your posts as they come.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

What a courageous person you have been. I would think that any friends you have lost were not true friends. You are right to follow your heart. If fiction is it, then that is what you should be writing. I am sure that your blog followers will stop by to see when/if you have left something to read. Good luck to you!

Flea said...

Good for you! I've taken my own time away from my blog, due to illness and what not. It just doesn't seem as important anymore. I support you in your plan to live fully!

Kay said...

I'm glad to know things have leveled off for you, Sarah. I'll miss your daily blogging but I can wait for the occasional ones. You are always worth the wait. You are absolutely right to concentrate on the priorities that help you grown even further and give you a feeling of accomplishment. I know Hubster must be happy, too.

karen said...

Wonderful news! Blog whenever you feel like, or don't even.. life is all about moving with the changes! So glad to hear that you have triumphed over that thyroid problem! Will look out for you on your photo blog, too :)

Katrina said...

I am happy for you that you are feeling better and I think everyone somewhere along the line diverts their energies away from blogging. I think it's good to break from certain things and explore others!

Daryl said...

Good news ... yes even the news that you might not be here everyday to hear about/from .. because that book needs writing .. xo

Sherri said...

Sarah, I'm so glad you are feeling so much better! I'm glad you aren't giving up totally on the blog, but I understand why you made the decision not to blog every day and only when you want to. Sometimes I get that same feeling.

Jo, a retired teacher said...

I'll be here. Do what you need to do.

Pat said...

I am so happy for you that your health has been restored. I've found that I, too, need to take a break from blogging at times because I spend way too much time doing it.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I'm happy things are turning around for you medically.
It also sounds like you have thought through your new priorities and are set on a new direction. I'll still have you on my blogroll so I'll see you when you do post and I wish you well.

Lynn said...

I'm happy for you. I will keep on checking this blog at least once a week. Maybe having more energy will mean you have even more to blog about. Blogging is hard to stay away from once you get into it. Anyway, best of luck and all happiness to you. (And don't forget to stop by my place once in a while if you have time.) :-)

Expat mum said...

Good news. About the health I mean! Keep in touch.

Esther Garvi said...

Life is the real deal, blogging is the mirror of it. Blog when you feel like it and make sure you enjoy your life! Looking forward to hearing about your writing and enjoying your photography!

Jenny said...

I am sorry that you've had so much to deal with of late, but very glad to hear that you are feeling better, finally. I am a bit sad to hear that you will be blogging less, as I've only just recently discovered your blog.

I wish you all the best, enjoy rediscovering those those other things you enjoy. And especially, enjoy the Hubster. He sounds like a really great guy.