When Life Throws More Curveballs

Adjusting The Swing When Life Changes The Rules

Image created in Canva Pro by Joellyn Rose Keener

It’s been a strange and frustrating week on my end, and I felt a need to explain my absence. If you’ve noticed my silence lately, either on Medium or in the conversations we’ve shared, please know it wasn’t intentional. Life just decided to hit the pause button, and I had no choice but to go along with it.

The short version is my vision decided to take yet another unexpected nosedive. As someone navigating life with the challenges I’ve shared before, this isn’t entirely new — but it doesn’t make it any less disconcerting.

The macular edema flared up again and again. I got the injection for it, and it started improving the next day as expected, but this time, by nightfall, it reverted and has been steadily getting worse. Tasks I could usually breeze through easily suddenly feel like climbing a steep mountain blindfolded. Writing, reading, and even responding to messages have been… well, let’s just say “an adventure.”

I’ve had to rely on patience more than anything else, which isn’t exactly my strongest virtue.

I’ve been focusing on managing the little things, like resting and listening more instead of reading or creating. It’s different from what I’m used to, but it’s teaching me something important: that sometimes, it’s okay to step back without explanations or apologies. Just do it.

To those who’ve reached out during this time and haven’t heard back — thank you for your patience. And to anyone wondering why I’ve been quiet, this is why. The unknown is always unsettling. No matter what. It’s not about resilience this time; it’s about waiting things out and doing what I can while waiting for answers.

I’ll be back soon, ready to dive back into this incredible community that means so much to me. Until then, I’m learning to embrace the quiet without getting too awfully bored.

Thank you for sticking with me, even when I’m temporarily off the grid.