The end of one year and the start of another is a moment to reflect—not just on where we’ve been, but on where we’re heading.

This past year has been a testament to resilience, discipline, and hope. For those of us navigating life with liver cirrhosis, every day is a balancing act, every choice deliberate, and every step forward hard-earned. But here’s the thing: we’re still here, still trying, still moving forward.

Hope rises with every new dawn, illuminating the path of resilience and progress.

As I reflect, there’s one thought I can’t ignore—a fleeting desire for a pint of beer to toast the new year. It wasn’t just about the drink; it was about the memories tied to it, the celebratory moments, the camaraderie, and the idea of feeling normal again.

But then I paused. I asked myself: Would it be worth it? Would this one pint honor my journey or undo all the progress I’ve fought so hard for?

And the answer was clear: the celebration isn’t in the drink; it’s in the resilience I’ve built, the clarity I’ve gained, and the milestones I’m yet to achieve. So, I’ve made a choice—a promise to myself. That pint can wait. I’ll save it for a moment that truly symbolizes triumph, like standing at Everest Base Camp later this year.

Setting Goals for the New Year

This year, I’m setting goals that reflect my journey and where I want to go:

1. Improving My MELD Score:
   • My current MELD score stands at 8—a testament to the progress I’ve made so far.
   • But I know I can do better. The best possible MELD is 6, representing near-normal liver function.
   • My short-term goal is to bring it down from 8 to 7 or lower by sticking to a liver-friendly lifestyle, staying hydrated, and monitoring my progress regularly.
2. Embracing Fitness and Recovery:
   • I’ve slowly introduced cycling and weight training into my routine, even while recovering from other challenges like AVN.
   • The goal is to build stamina and strength—not just for Everest Base Camp, but for a better quality of life.
3. Celebrating Life’s Milestones:
   • This year, every small achievement will be celebrated—whether it’s a clean blood report, a day of extra energy, or the joy of seeing my son grow.

Reflections for the Year Ahead

This year, my focus is on living better. Whether it’s improving my physical health, nurturing relationships, or finding moments of pure joy, I want to embrace life fully.

For anyone reading this—whether you’re fighting cirrhosis, supporting someone who is, or simply here to learn—know this: it’s okay to have fleeting moments of temptation. It’s human. What matters is the choice you make next.

Here’s to a year of hope, healing, and progress. Together, we can rewrite the narrative around liver health.

Happy New Year to everyone in this journey! Let’s keep fighting.