Findings and Discoveries

I once was lost but now I'm found. And lately, I've made some important discoveries regarding the chase. Only Jamie and Forrest know. But of course, Forrest never responds to anything I write him about my discoveries. Which is a good thing. When I send him my thoughts, I'm simply letting him know how close (or how extremely far away) I am from solving the poem. I imagine he's laughed out loud at some of my solves.

I say discoveries versus findings for a reason. I had never "lost" what I've discovered, so in my way of thinking, something I haven't lost can't be "found."

So, I think discovery is finding something no one else has lost. Electricity was discovered. Elements and chemical compounds are discovered. Things previously unknown are discovered.

Joe discovering his first fish.

Objects someone has lost are found.

Oh, he will not be happy when it's time to go home.

During the last couple years, I have both discovered and found many things. Mostly, though, I've found things I'd thought I'd lost. I hadn't written a poem in about twenty years before about six months ago. So I've found that passion for poetry that I'd lost.

I've found my sense of adventure that was never really lost, but suppressed under the weight of responsibility and stress. I've discovered that being adventurous doesn't mean abandoning responsibility.

From my Colorado trip with Joe.

I've found the wonder of nature and the world outside my home. Again, this wasn't really lost, but weighed down. I've discovered I don't have to be nor am expected to be a martyr. I can balance taking care of my family with adventure.

I've both found and discovered a love and curiosity for the past. I've always loved the ancient past, but I have discovered I'm also intensely interested in the more recent past. I have a few patients in their 90's and I find myself spending more time with them during their treatments. They seem to enjoy talking about the past (especially if they served in a war), and they seem to enjoy my questions. I think my incredulous reactions to some of their experiences amuse them, but I'm glad I can put a smile on their faces. Many of them have no surviving family, and many of them still live independently. They don't have many opportunities to share their life, and I'm discovering it's important for them to share, and important for me to listen.

So, that's my perception of finding and discovering.

Monday, I'm going to find my inner Viking and start working out again with Shannon Hall (formerly Dallas, of American Gladiator fame).  She was the first Toughwoman World Champion, and the first woman to box in Madison Square Garden. She lives here in NSB, and I'm fortunate to call her one of my best friends. Don't let the on stage confidence and toughness fool you. In real life she has a huge heart of gold. She is one of the most inspirational people I know, and always positive and encouraging.  I want to be in prime fighting shape for my next search. With her coaching me, I will be!

Shannon at her gym in NSB.