It’s finally here. My last day on my 500-day journey! Time went by so fast and so it is time to share the results. It all started back in November 2022 -at a time when I painfully hit a wall in my life and decided it was time for a change.
I made a pact with myself on November 17, 2022. “500 days,” I said, “Let’s see what we can do.” And just like that, my journey began.
First, I set my goals. Getting through my master’s degree program, committing to that workout routine, trying to eat healthier, ending that “situation-shit”, and releasing things that no longer served me.
The Journey
Then it came time to put the work into it. And let me tell you, I’ve had days that were the hardest times of my life. Not only did I have to push through my first brush with Covid, but I also had to deal with going through a severe herniated disc that limited my walking. This led me to be isolated from the world for four months before my surgery, going to only physical therapy and countless medical appointments. I remember having many nights of literally being on the floor crying my eyes out. Moments when I had doubts about whether I was going to overcome all of this. I did. I reminded myself that I had overcome so much already throughout my life and that I could get through this. One day at a time.
The steps that I took to keep me sane and focused were checking in with family and friends. Since I was in Belgium at the time, I made a lot of Facebook and WhatsApp calls to stay social. I focused on my classes and ended up finishing my master’s degree program a day after my surgery. I used BetterHelp to talk to a therapist. I set aside my pride and asked for help (which was hard for a hyper-independent woman like me). I also picked up scrapbooking and did things I enjoyed doing (like gaming and writing). After my surgery, I focused on physical therapy and got out of my apartment occasionally. I reconnected face-to-face with friends and tried to get back to my everyday life before all of this happened. Spoil alert though: It didn’t quite work out that way.
New Year. New Me (whether I like it or not)
Fast forwarding to the beginning of this year: I moved back to the States and am completely starting over. And it started with a car accident that sadly made me lose the car I’ve had for over a decade. 2024 did not come here to play! On a good note, I did reopen my freelance writing business -Denesha Smith – Magical Ink LLC, I had to close a few years back, due to being overseas.
I got the message loud and clear. This new chapter in my life will probably be my most challenging one yet. But no matter how hard it gets; I know that everything that I am going through right now will build a strong foundation for my next set of 500 days.
Looking back on my journey, I have gotten stronger and more compassionate towards myself. I am looking forward to building this new life for myself and I cannot wait to see what is in store.
So, here’s to 500 days of growth, of overcoming obstacles, and of never giving up. And here’s to whatever the next chapter brings. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.