Sit-Out Summer

Everything about this summer looks different than I imagined.

When the inkling of cancer became a concern in early June, plans started coming to a halt. Summer is usually my season. I recharge outside, on my mountain bike, hiking, floating on a paddle board, or spending quality time at my family’s cabin.

This year, many of those plans have been canceled. Some because I haven’t had the strength, others because appointments and treatment took priority. It’s been hard to watch a season I love unfold differently than I pictured.

I’ve made a point to get outside every morning for a walk and soak up the energy that comes from being in nature. I may have also ignored a few “recommendations” from my oncology team and snuck in a mild mountain bike ride over the weekend. I’m learning to take full advantage of the days I feel good while still respecting my new limits.

But, this is my sit-out summer.

The summer of changed plans, missed adventures, and spending more time on the sidelines than I’d like. And that’s okay. This is just one summer. One season of life.

The trails, the mountains, the cabin weekends, and all the adventures I had planned will still be there next summer, and I plan to take full advantage of all of the fun.

One day at a time. 

💗