Happy Neck Day! I know what you’re thinking – what the eff is neck day??
10 years ago today I had my first spinal surgery (yes, first…more on that in a minute…) To say it changed my life would be the understatement of the decade. I went from a daily headstand practice to barely being able to lift a glass of water practically overnight. The kicker is that I was “really healthy” (thin, vegetarian, and TEACHING yoga) and “nothing happened” to me. There was no accident or injury; just a lot of stress and crappy discs. Before I knew it, I was waking up from surgery with 2 replacement cages & a plate fusing 3 vertebrae.
Recovery was slow and difficult. It turns out you use your neck for lots of things! But in trying to find some empathy and patience for myself, as I was very frustratingly not immediately back to 100%, I learned so much about cultivating it for others. I became much more aware of how every individual uniquely inhabits their body and environment; I became a more compassionate person and a much better designer.
So imagine my surprise when a few months shy of my 10 year anniversary (traditionally tin or aluminum, but I think titanium is more appropriate), I had a “minor event”, and the follow-up appointment revealed I needed a second surgery, which would be more complicated than the first and the only available day for the rest of the year was my birthday.
And by surprise, I mean fear, anger, resentment, frustration, and sadness.
I had just celebrated my one year anniversary in my own studio and was busy with client projects (I’ve put the illustrations on the website – go take a look!) I did not have time for this crap!! Except that I didn’t have a choice – the only choice I really had was how I responded; with bitterness & impatience or compassion & curiosity.
So why am I sharing all of this?
Unsurprisingly, for a few reasons!
- Neck day is always a day of reflection and a celebration of progress for me, so of course I want to reflect and celebrate with you!
- Sometimes what looks like a setback is actually an opportunity, just not how you imagined it. And sometimes it helps for someone else to say it, because it’s hard to say it to yourself all the time.
- Working with a designer is really personal and requires trust; I think it’s only fair to share some of my personal stuff in return.
- I think my x-rays are really cool and wanted to share them!
But don’t think for a second that this is slowing down the studio; just because I can’t lift more than 2 pounds doesn’t mean I can’t redesign your living room!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of my spine (cross your fingers this is the last intervention!) and as always, if I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to schedule a Complimentary Design Discovery Consultation.
Till next time…
Madelaine
