Back on the Horse

Thirteen rules, until next week.

Dear Staunch,

Today marks my 2nd Diversion Day. The day two years ago when I had emergency surgery after my colon perforated. The day I became ostomate and a stoma saved my life. The day my life forever transformed, amazingly so.

With all that is my today, I’m sharing 13 Rules, inspired by the Immaculate Heart College Art Department’s ‘10 Rules’ from the Corita Arts Center.

#1 Be a Good Samaritan, you could save someone's life.

#2 Radically listen to your gut.

#3 Work and create in alignment with your values. No.One.Else's.

#4 Be wildly, instinctively, intuitively, acutely self-aware.

#5 Do not self-betray.

#6 Be devoted to healing and to your body. Accept these invitations.

#7 Trust and uplift second chances especially from recovering addicts.

#8 Bake a birthday cake for anyone, any day, including yourself.

#9 If and when you judge, patronize or condescend to others, check yourself.

#10 Always keep your phone charged.

#11 Good digestion begins with above average chewing. Be above average.

#12 Say I love you, act in throughline.

#13 There are no rules. “There should be new rules next week.”

I'm so glad we're here together. Thanks for reading. xoxoxoalice

(left) August 27, 2021, my first doctor's visit after surgery and (right) yesterday, back on the horse.