What have I been up to since March, as I prepared to leave Quotient Sciences and look for my next opportunity? I have taken advantage of this transition to take care of some things and set myself up for the future. While these times can be stressful, I’ve been through transition enough, and my faith upholds me. Therefore, I don’t waste my time engaging in negativity, fear or lashing out at others. Of course, there are moments where I think, “Oh my, not again!” It’s human nature to be somewhat fearful of change, but I pride myself on the pivot and being able to quickly regain my bearings and focus on my ultimate purpose and my overall journey through life, so here’s a view of what’s been going on:
Total Knee Replacement: After a combination of 40 years as a runner, mostly distance running, and my family genetics that leave me predisposed to arthritis, I had to reluctantly retire from running 2 years ago when my knee finally said ‘enough!’ Earlier this year, I learned that the technology involved in total knee replacement has advanced to such a degree that if I went ahead with TKR, I wouldn’t necessarily have to worry about doing it again in 20 years. I also found out that with the proper physical therapy and slow return to running, it is possible to run again. This news was both unexpected and exactly what I needed to hear. I scheduled my surgery for March, and then found out my role was being eliminated. While I know people in my life that saw a job change as a reason to cancel a medical procedure or surgery, I decided it was perfect timing. Given that I have the protection of the FMLA, a company that provides both excellent health insurance and short-term disability benefits, I decided it was ideal timing. I am very fortunate to have a daughter and son-in-law who are extremely supportive, and they made a great sacrifice to come and stay with me in the immediate post-surgery recovery. And, my grandson was there to keep me moving, watching him build Legos and reading bedtime stories.
Since my surgery in March, I have been focused on regaining my flexibility and rebuilding the strength in my leg, all the while admiring a new pair of Saucony running shoes that are currently in pride of place on my dining table. They are reminding me that as long as I keep my focus on recovery, I will soon be running again. To that end, I’ve also enrolled in a Chi Running retreat at the end of June in northern Tennessee. I have the option to switch to their walking ‘camp,’ and will decide when I get there whether I can physically join the runners. Regardless of what happens, I am going to the retreat, and the Saucony’s are coming with me.
Once I was past the initial couple of weeks on serious pain medication (aka narcotics), I switched my efforts to not just physical recovery, but reactivating my network. I started contacting and meeting friends, mentors and those in my network that can provide support and provide insight on what opportunities I might have for my next chapter. Spending time every day on networking, online workshops and interviewing is keeping me busy and reminding me of my passions, skills, and experience in my chosen profession. Given that these transitions often mean a physical move, it also has me checking out various geographies and the potential of moving again. I love change, so moving has its own level of excitement, though if it happens, I will miss the friends I’ve made in my current home.
Attending Eurovision 2024: After watching it on television when I lived in the UK, and since my return to the US, actually attending the contest in-person became a goal for me in late 2023. So, even though I am transitioning and need to focus on looking for my next opportunity, I am not passing up the opportunity of traveling to Malmo, Sweden; being right in the middle of all things Eurovision; as well as celebrating Abba’s 50th anniversary of winning the contest. I’ve had friends ask why I would take a relatively expensive trip when I don’t know what the future holds. There are two reasons, one is that the trip was bought and mostly paid for prior to learning about my current job ending, but the other is more important to me: I live by the idea that you only live once, and you have no idea how long you are on this earth. So, if you want to do something, do it! I would have expected the pandemic to teach people something about long-term plans, but I guess old habits die hard and there’s still a ‘wait until you’re retired’ or ‘wait until you are 100% certain about the future’ (not that it is a real possibility to ever be 100% certain) to actually take the time to live your life. I cannot subscribe to this notion, and while my travel habits may seem extravagant or foolhardy, I am traveling while I can, and I have the physical and financial means to do so.
I am looking forward to seeing where my journey takes me next. What new adventures are around the corner? What new friends are waiting to be met? And, more important to her, what new license plate will Ava (the i3) get next?
