How is it already September?

And will I ever stop saying that at the start of each new month?

The answer is no. It’s part of being an adult.

While reading this weekend, I saw the phrase “Lighten up.” My reaction was visceral, a sensation of rocks in my stomach. Nobody said it to me, so it’s not like I felt offended. But it hit me with surprising force, as though it was something I needed to hear.

The last six-ish years have been a lot.

There was Ramón’s leukemia and remission and relapse and transplant and cardiac arrest and brain injury and death.

Then there were years of searching for answers through medical tests, only to realize that a CF medication with amazing physical benefits was the source of harmful neuropsychiatric effects.

And, most recently, there was the shincident, my leg broken in three places—foot dangling like an ornament hanging on a Christmas tree. (You’re welcome.) Then two surgeries and endless PT appointments with more on the calendar.

Through all these things, I’ve been busy trying to solve problems, to “fix it”. My default mindset has become quite serious, and that’s not who I am. I love talking about deep topics, but at my core, I know I’m meant to be easygoing—to see the humor before any negative thoughts surface.

That’s how I was before life’s antics pushed me into a new perspective—one where I view life as a never-ending list of tasks that need to be done.

All that being said, I’m dubbing this month Simple September. And I’m challenging myself to keep things straightforward—to not let lowercase-t “things” become capital-T “Things.”

I plan to document my victories as a way of noting my progress (and even my non-successes).

Wishing you a Simple September!

P.S. Lighten up! And if reading that makes you feel uneasy, maybe it’s a sign.