What Shingles Taught Me

Shingles has taught me to slow down and take more intentional deep breaths throughout the day. I’m a Type A and it’s not easy to turn off that switch. The past months have pushed me to re-align and re-focus on what matters at this stage of life. I was a different person 5 yrs ago. I was a different person 10 yrs ago with a different buffet of interest and goals.

I give myself grace and room to not care about stuff that I really don’t need to care about anymore.

I look in the mirror and remind myself that things are where they are supposed to be at this moment and that I have the freedom to shift and lift, to move and roll. It’s a gift I give to my mind and to my body and in turn can give back to others.

I’m 53. I still dream and everyday I do and breathe into them to make it happen.

Laarni San Juan