| February 3, 2019 |
Outside, snow is falling and covering the world in a subtle blanket of white. I type on the screen of a new laptop in a home of solitude. I am alone with my thoughts, present with myself. I am given the gift of time to process 2018, as a way to uncover the lessons I have learned in challenging and rewarding times.
Looking back on 2018 boils a mix of emotions, as it was undoubtedly one of the most challenging years in my personal life. Yet, these challenges have ignited personal growth, courage, and clarity. Many of my personal relationships changed in 2018: I lost some toxic connections, and thus have gained more fruitful & loving relationships. I have also strengthened connections with those who share similar values and represent who I want to be as a person. It’s been hard to act the need for this shift (as I don’t easily let go of people), but in the long run it has benefitted my heart and soul, and shifted my life for the positive.
From a professional standpoint, 2018 was a year of opportunity. Since I stopped working as a travel Physical Therapist, I have been on a beautiful journey in Washington State. My path has landed me at Seattle Children’s Hospital’s North Clinic, working full-time with children from birth to 21 years old. I have taken more continuing education courses 2018 than I have in the last four years working as a Doctor of Physical Therapy! I continue broadening my scope of impact to Tanzania, Africa, and have increased my involvement with Outdoors for All as an adaptive rock climbing & skiing volunteer. My career is fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding. I am forever grateful for my work family, and having a job that I feel passionate & enthusiastic about.
The outlook for 2019 is bright, and full of courage & growth. But before I can even wrap my head around what’s in store for 2019, I’d like to take time to look back on 2018’s memories and lessons.
January 2018
Treasured Moments:
Standing around the bonfire on New Years Eve in the Alaskan winter. We woke to a blue light that blanketed the Earth, softening everything our eyes beheld. Our breath was visible, and with every exhale, relief and closeness was felt. By the time the evening sun began to set, the sky was burning red. I was warm, comforted by nature’s reassurance that passion and love can endure.
Professional Growth:
This month, I officially started working at Seattle Children’s South Clinic part time! I was splitting time between the South Clinic and Waypoint Pediatric Therapies, which required long commutes from North Seattle, but both were worth it.
Heartfelt Memoirs:
The only way I grow
is inward and then out.
My body and my soul
have no doubt.
February 2018
Treasured Moments:
Finding the truest representation of myself. Searching for my unique parts, and picking up pieces of creativity that have been neglected for some time. Found my way to explore New Orleans for a professional endeavor was also important for my personal life, as I wandered the streets and soaked in new culture, music, and foods–trying everything from beignets to turtle soup! The live music and art scene ignited my creative side, and I can certainly see myself returning to this city, especially for the jazz festival or (dare I say) Mardi Gras!
Professional Growth:
This was my first year at APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting! I had just recently joined the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, and was antsy to dive into continuing education experiences. I attended multiple sessions about the OnTrack and START Play studies, where I learned about ways to plot the progress of children with cerebral palsy over their lifespan. I connected with my professors and mentors from Stony Brook, and roomed with those whom I traveled to Tanzania with in 2017!
Heartfelt Memoirs:
Embrace the learning,
culture, & connections that grew:
both old and new.
For in warmer weather,
my heart will show,
inspiration in parts unknown.
March 2018
Treasured Moments:
Corned beef and cabbage was my great creative success, which brought me back to my Irish roots. I started pushing myself more physically, fighting the winter blues with finally hiking Mt. Si AND Mailbox Peak, backcountry ski trips, and climbing at Vantage.
A Stevens Pass ski trip with Haley upon her return from Florida was a special treat. We discovered many ways in which our hearts relate, and our matching ski brands/boots/colored pants/black-patterned shirts/socks/Subaru vehicles spoke volumes! We couldn’t have planned it better… except, we didn’t plan this level coordination.
Professional Growth:
This month, I dove into a different kind of learning: MOUNTAIN learning! In January, I finally purchased a REAL backcountry skiing setup: Dynastar Cham 97 skis + G3 ion bindings + Scarpa GEA boots! I was stoked to put these to the test during the American Alpine Institutde AIARE Level One course at Mount Baker. At the course, we learned to read & interpret avalanche forecasts, perform field tests, and execute a group trip plan in the backcountry.
Heartfelt Memoirs:
I’d really like to think:
I’m truly as bright as this pink.
My energy and soul
are seeking to feel whole.
I know that I am bright,
so I muster up my might,
to give and get back,
the love in which there’s no lack.
April 2018
Treasured Moments:
Easter Sunday was my favorite Easter that I’ve had to spend away from my family. Since Easter happened to fall on April Fool’s Day, I took full advantage of my hosting abilities by playing multiple little pranks on my guests:
- Jellybean bunny poops throughout the apartment, including in the toilet.
- Brown- E’s (brownies), presented in a baking dish, and revealed as the letter “E” cut out of brown paper bags. I’m hilarious, I know.
- A piñata. Filled with carrots because the Easter bunny ate all the candy, of course.
- Cinco de Mayo decorations. Haha, April Fools.
- Huevos Rancheros for brunch. Not too much of a joke because, well, they were delicious.
On April 22nd, I celebrated Earth Day by drawing in the North Cascades and running along Highway 20 during its closure. I collected garbage I found along the side of the road and embraced the eerie solitude of the park.
Professional Growth:
I took a course on AFO’s and Footwear Combination (called AFO-FC) with the master, Elaine Owen. This was a brand new way of looking at bracing options for children with disabilities, and has played a huge role in my decision-making ever since. The course book was huge, and my mind was overwhelmed each day during the 3-day course at Seattle Children’s. We are putting what we learned into action, and I love I was given the opportunity to learn more about this methodology!
Heartfelt Memoirs:
On Easter Sunday, a sermon inspired me to live with more intent, and let toxicity flow under my bridge to new life…
I listened to a sermon that a friend posted on social media. The sermon spoke of the chasms we have in our lives {pain, loss, loneliness, confusion, heartbreak, illness} and how we can choose to build a bridge to a new life, rising to {hope, love, peace, joy, faith}. But bridging this gap is not simple. It takes intentional forgiveness and freedom, letting go of all the negativity & our past pain. To me, this path takes courage and humbleness— the ability to recognize we are here for each other & do not intentionally hurt each other. I’ve started realizing this journey is bigger than me, and I can begin forming a relationship with our God and Savior Jesus in order to enhance my spiritual journey. I’m not sure how my relationships will continue to evolve, but I know I will be intentional in choosing freedom and forgiveness. Together, we can choose to cross this bridge again and again— because life will give us situations to overcome constantly, and we can’t do this alone.
May 2018
Treasured Moments: Happy 50th Birthday, North Cascades National Park! For Haley’s birthday, we summited Trappers Peak and embraced a weekend of exploring in the North Cascades. This weekend was a highlight of 2018. Read more here!
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe my trip to Florida to visit Talia with my mom (who flew from New York) was in May, too! I’ve definitely found myself looking back on 2018 thinking “meh, I didn’t do too much,” but that’s why these posts are so necessary for me! Hah! Anyways, I got to explore a different part of South Florida where Talia resides with her boyfriend! We had long conversations while night swimming, ate vegan food (BEST cookies ever), drove past Donald Trump’s house estate, line danced at Renegades, and embraced quality time. AND MANGOES!!!!!
Professional Growth:
Okay, not too much to report here. I was mostly digesting everything I learned at CSM and the Elaine Owen AFO-FC course! A lot of energy was put into my feelings outside of work…
Heartfelt Memoirs:
May 7th marked one year since the death of a friend on Mount Hood. For John, we toasted with mountain margaritas (fresh snow + margarita mix + tequila!) at Mount Rainier National Park and reminisced at JT’s cabin. I tried to write my personal account for May 7th of 2017 many times, and perhaps one day I will finally give my side of the story a voice.
On the anniversary, our crew hiked around Mount Wow (wow!) and skied on Pinnacle Peak in the Tatoosh Range.
To be continued…
The next part of 2018, I dove even deeper into my intentions, and made some challenging transitions. In my heart, I know that I am strong enough to ride out this wave. I have so much to be grateful for, and lessons of the heart are sometimes best learned through pain and confusion…
With gratitude,
Kristen ॐ
