Time to Take an Important Break for My Health

Summary

The author is stepping back from their intense daily writing routine on Medium to focus on their health, acknowledging age-related health issues but intending to remain active in the community.

Abstract

The author, a writer and photographer, has been deeply immersed in their work on Medium for the past four months but recognizes the need to prioritize their health. At 64 years old, the author reflects on their time at the Veterans Center and acknowledges the presence of health concerns such as pulmonary nodules, emphysema, and diabetes. Despite these issues, the author maintains a humorous outlook and plans to continue engaging with the Medium community, albeit at a reduced writing frequency. This decision comes after realizing that their world has become quite insular, revolving around their laptop and four walls, and that it's time to make a change and look after themselves more proactively.

Opinions

The author values their identity as a writer and photographer but acknowledges the importance of self-care and health.
The author is not overly concerned about their health conditions, displaying a level of acceptance and humor when discussing them.
There is a strong sense of community on Medium, as the author expresses a desire to remain connected with the diverse group of people they've met on the platform.
The author does not plan to leave Medium entirely, indicating their commitment to the platform and its members.
The author recognizes the need for a lifestyle adjustment, including diet and exercise, to manage their Type 2 Diabetes and overall health as they age.

I’m not giving up, but I need to breathe

My laptop and I have been attached at the hip for the last four months. I’ll always be a writer and photographer, for better or worse, but I need to be number one in my life.

I realized that today when I ran some errands and stopped by the Veterans Center, which may as well be the senior center. We’re all old AF, and the senior center is next door.

And I was reminded that I’m 64.

I’m not complaining. Granted, I can’t do everything I did at 34 or even 44, but I’m not dead yet and all my parts still work. You didn’t think I’d write about this without humor, did you? That’s not my style.

I do have the results of a CT scan of my lung. I’m not concerned, but I expected someone to pick up the phone to have a chat with me.

The scan indicated pulmonary nodules measuring up to 4 mm. I’ve had these for several years. None have grown, so I’m not worried. Additionally, I have mild pulmonary emphysema. Considering I smoked for 30-plus years, that’s not surprising. What surprised me is I don’t feel any effects (like shortness of breath), so I had no clue this could bite me in the ass. Finally, the scan indicated mild coronary arterial calcification. In other words, I’m getting old. But I also need to be more conscious of the fact that I have Type 2 Diabetes. I need to watch my diet and get more exercise.

Am I dying? In the grand scheme of things, yeah. But we’re all in the same boat. Ain’t none of us getting out alive, although I intend to put up a fight.

I’m not leaving Medium. I’ve met too many great writers, comedians, photographers, carpet cleaners, teachers, and salespeople to walk away.

I’ll stick around, reading and clapping my ass off. But I won’t be writing every day. As noted above, my world has evolved around this platform for four months. It’s not a long time, but when your world is four walls and a laptop, it’s time for a change.

It’s time I looked after myself. Cheers!

PERSONAL STORY

Time to Take an Important Break for My Health

I’m not giving up, but I need to breathe

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