It is hard to believe it is 30 years since Jane and I joined the Henry Farm Community. A lot has happened in that time. The neighbourhood has grown and changed, and so have we- individually and as an office. Dr. Ron Gibson retired in 1993, entrusting the practice to us, having taken care of the community for 27 years since opening in 1966. We renovated in 1999 and again in 2010, adding a studio for yoga and workshops, and transitioning the office to Network Spinal Chiropractic. We welcomed and raised 2 daughters in this home.
We have weathered snow storms and heat waves and COVID together. I have gotten older and perhaps a little smarter. I used to shovel the driveway all by hand, but these past few years I have graduated to using a snow blower for the heavy snow (best money I ever spent!). Years ago we planted a hedge to surround our property, which has grown to a great height. For the first time this year, I did not do the pruning myself. I had to recognize that my time and my energy are limited. Okay, I didn’t recognize that- Jane recognized that. I’ve become a smart enough husband to listen to his wife!
COVID made us examine how we spend our time and what our priorities might be. I did some teaching and took time off and wrote a book (Living Through Life’s Storms – I’m currently on the hunt for a publisher if you have any contacts?) I realized I enjoy taking time off to travel and last year I had the incredible blessing of adding Dr. Corey Cultrera to our office, who would work at my side- covering my practice when I took time away and taking excellent care of my patients in my absence.
I’m hoping you will indulge my meandering reflections as I think back on 30 years. What is the take away that one could apply to wellness? Here’s what I’ve got. Have some structure in your life that keeps you doing “the good things”. This is our 11th Celebrating Wellness Day where we get to give back to patients and support a really great charity each year. (Don’t miss it!!!) Develop some habits that serve you well- exercise at the same time each day or eat the same healthy food for breakfast. Have a regular stretching routine as you watch television at night. Good habits go a long way.
At the same time, keep re-inventing yourself. We have changed how we do things as an office many times over the years. It keeps things fresh. Try new sports or activities. Jane and I just took up pickle ball to add to our ballroom dancing. Explore your passions.
Just like me with the hedge, call in the experts at times. We can trudge along with our wellness practices, just as I was pruning my own hedge. Taking time for yourself to receive Network Care and ensure that your nervous system is functioning optimally can fine tune things and allow resilience that can withstand challenges that may come your way. It looks like we are going to have a heat wave, but our newly pruned hedge will thrive through the stress. Maintaining our nervous systems with regular Network Care really does help us to thrive through the stresses of life!
We are celebrating the journey of 30 years here. Let’s all celebrate our personal wellness journey each day!