New Beginnings by Wendy Delsol

Ah. Spring. It’s back. Birds are chirping their return. Tender shoots are pushing through the cold, grey earth. And there’s the occasional glimpse of that big yellow sky-high ball. All of which is most welcome. Most welcome.

Alas, this has been a tough winter. I live in Iowa, so they’re all pretty tough weather-wise. But this one was long and harsh for more personal reasons. I had shoulder surgery in November. I was told it would be painful. I was told that rehab would be slow. I was told that recovery would be four to five months. Somehow, I didn’t think those precautions would apply to my writing.

I assumed I’d use the time off to focus on my work in progress. I assumed I would type left-handed. I assumed with all of my physical distractions shelved, I’d have long stretches of hours to devote to my writing.

None of that went according to plan. What I neglected to factor in was the required harmony of both body and mind in the writing process. Creativity requires clarity, stamina, focus, discipline, and drive. I simply wasn’t up to the challenge.

Finally, I’m getting back to work.

Thus our topic this month, new beginnings, works well for me. I’ve been thinking all winter about (waiting for, technically) a fresh start. All along, I’ve considered the timing—my recovery coinciding with the start of spring—as fortuitous.

I’m still about a month away from an expected full recovery, but I am feeling stronger. And eager to work again. With a newfound enthusiasm. And the benefit of perspective.

I certainly didn’t ask for a 4-5 month hiatus. Nor did I expect it. I managed to do the things that simply had to get done. (I’m the mother of two teen sons. Enough said on that.) I don’t think I wallowed. I reminded myself daily that others go through far darker days, far more serious and debilitating health scares, etc. And all the while I kept an eye on the horizon. I repeated a this-too-shall-pass mantra.

So here’s to spring in all its lustrous glory. It’s always a reminder of the power of rejuvenation. I will be particularly conscious of and grateful for all it enlivens.