A Spooniversary Celebration

​On this day, one year ago, I gathered my things in a box and walked out of my office for the last time. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Our lives are filled with anniversaries, marking everything from marriages and births to deaths and new beginnings. Each year, a friend of mine celebrates the day she was pronounced cancer-free. Other friends celebrate the day they brought their dog home from the shelter – their “gotcha day.” For those with chronic illness, there are even more anniversaries to celebrate.

This summer, I celebrated an anniversary of my own. Ten years ago, I left Eastern Kentucky University and moved back to Ohio to start over at the University of Findlay. My doctor prescribed the treatment that would finally make it possible for me to live a normal college life. I joined Sigma Kappa sorority and made friends that have since become family. 

In June, I celebrated the one-year anniversary of the surgery that confirmed my endometriosis diagnosis after more than fifteen years of symptoms. I commemorated the occasion by running the longest distance I’d ever run – at the Muddy Mini Quarter Marathon. 

Today, I celebrate the decision I made a year ago to put my health first. To refuse to be treated like I don’t have value. To walk away from things that weren’t meant for me. I couldn’t have known what the future had in store. But in just 365 days, I’ve launched my own successful company (and this blog!) and started a new journey in graduate school. Most importantly, I’m making wellness a priority. 

I’m celebrating today with gratitude and a toast to spooniversaries. I’d love to know how you’ve commemorated your own spooniversaries! Leave me a note in the comments and never stop celebrating.