Spring is a hectic time here in the northern latitudes. Everyone is busy, enjoying the nice weather or taking care of those tasks that were impossible during the winter months.
My focus this spring was to build some raised bed planters for my Mother – and to help her get her yard and house cleaned up for the season. With those tasks complete, I have turned again to the ongoing project that is my own self improvement.
The winter months I spent in Colombia were very rewarding – but I received some bad news just before returning to Canada. I was not feeling well, and went to a Colombian hospital for a checkup while in Cartagena.
I would not say that I engaged in medical tourism, but the hospital I visited is certainly a place that foreigners consider for such purposes. My own experience was fantastic. The staff and doctors were gracious and helpful, and I was allowed a great deal of agency over what procedures were performed. The hospital was bright, spotless, and very well run.
The process took most of a day, and after providing me with a nice lunch I was ushered in to see a couple of different doctors. The findings were pretty good – and I was commended on my overall health and condition. Then came the bad news. Although I had no acute medical issues, the tests did show some problematic areas: thyroid, blood sugar and gall bladder. I was told that I should follow up for more tests in about two months.
At that time I was already thinking that what I really needed was some time in nature – away from the smog and lights of the big city. I also knew that I should really clamp down on my eating habits, which were beginning to slip. Honestly, I find it really hard to eat clean while traveling, and I know that is probably the biggest issue when it comes to blood sugar problems.
I knew it would be a busy spring when I got home, but once I was caught up I decided I would get out into the mountains for a good long break. In the past I have found that extended periods in nature help – and there is good scientific evidence to back this up. Then disaster hit (literally).
The day after arriving home I was in an automobile accident. The other vehicle hit me very hard, and I had to be taken from the scene by ambulance. I was fortunate to escape with only some minor muscle tears and nerve damage. Both vehicles were beyond salvage, but fortunately the other driver was not hurt.
Understandably this set things back significantly. I am fortunate to have insurance which helped with medical treatment. Rehab began right away, and I worked hard on recovery. Exercise, diet, and rest – the focus paid off and after only four weeks I began to see great improvements.
The muscular damage was doing well, but the nerve problems continued. I knew that the issue was triggered by the accident, but I was also aware that spending allot of time in front of a computer was not helping. I once more began to think about the great outdoors.
The thoughts slowly grew more insistent. As I grew stronger, so too did the pull of the outdoors. With the most important work completed, I no longer had good reason to deny it…
I know it is what I need – mentally, physically, and spiritually. It will complement, and possibly even facilitate the healing process.
Thus, in only a few short days I will embark upon another journey. I will leave home with only what I can carry on my back. The plan is to have no plan at all. I will listen to the music of the celestial spheres, and simply go where the winds blow.
If you are interested in following the adventure please check my socials below.
Stay Wild!
The Wild 
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