A New Year Re-Solution

The basics

Resolution:
A firm decision to do or not do something

Pledge, promise, or undertaking

Solution:
An action or process of solving a problem

An answer to a problem, specifically a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation

re-:
prefix indicating return to a previous condition, restoration, rebuild, renew, retrace, reunite

Verbs beginning with re- indicate repetition

Just another January at the gym

I just returned from my daily walk on the local greenway, which happened to be the first sunny, warm day of the new year. As I had grown accustomed to in my pre-MM days of going to the gym, the place had many more people than usual for a similar day other times of the year. I’m pretty sure a lot of those folks were what I have traditionally referred to as “New Year Resolutionists”, and not out walking or running because of cabin fever.

Don’t get me wrong, the term is in fun. The phenomenon of resolutions at the beginning of the year, especially when it comes down to getting back to a healthy lifestyle, is as sure as the sun coming up tomorrow. I have always rooted for these folks because I know what a difficult thing it is to start a new habit or reignite a good old habit, especially one that requires commitment and time. They have also made a pledge to undertake fixing a not so good situation.

A different way of looking at resolutions

I can’t say I’ve been much of a “Resolutionist” during my life. I do feel though that I have been a “Re-Solutionist”, which is obviously a play on words, but more importantly, a different way of looking at this year beginning phenomenon. Note though that to become a “Re-Solutionist”, you normally have to start off being a successful “Resolutionist”. I have found that this particular viewpoint has become even more important since my diagnosis and all the associated issues brought on by multiple myeloma.

A Resolution is a pledge to do or not do something. An example would be to quit smoking. You are making that pledge through a decision process, a decision that can be modified any time. My definition of “Re-Solution” is returning to a set of values that solve a problem, or re-solving an old problem that has new variables, like figuring out how to exercise again with a spine that looks like a child’s erector set experiment and living in a world where fatigue rules.

I understand this is a subtle difference, but in the “Re-Solution” case I am making an assumption that we are past the resolution stage and have conquered and carried through the resolution, but now face a change in the variables of the original solution. In my exercise case; I once resolved to actively exercise, I made the change in my habits and life style, becoming an avid exerciser for decades, then got multiple myeloma, which changed the variables (fractured vertebrae, fatigue, nausea, compromised immunity, etc.). I had to come up with a new solution to exercise based on where I had been and where I could go, i.e., a “Re-Solution”. Of course, everyone’s situation is different, so your plans and actions of the “Re-Solution” would be personal and different.

Be resolute in your Re-solutions

In my case, I consulted with my medical team including oncologist/hematologist, back surgeon, and physical therapist. I also measured my sentiment against their advice on issues such as back braces, spinal weight bearing exercises, and gym memberships (immunity issues). Once all that was complete, I did my best to come up with the new solution to the old problem. Hopefully, I am now satisfying the new equation.

As was true in normal life, things will change and those changes may require another “Re-Solution”. Am I happy with my new solution? Yes and no. No, in that I still want to be that uber-active person I was before the diagnosis and can’t be. Yes, in that I have to work with what’s available and make the best of it, as well as feel I’m headed down the right road.

I also use this process in dealing with other situations like job, career, eating habits, and travel. Again, we may not come up with the solutions we had prior to cancer and probably won’t entirely like them, but this process can give you some say in determining the set of values that solves your problem for now, and something you can return to many times.