THE LONG MIDDLE

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mychronicwisdom

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Required Maintenance

A reflective look at the quiet, ongoing work of caring for a body and a life that no longer runs on autopilot, exploring maintenance as a form of presence rather than repair.

FIELD NOTES

Mary Monoky

12/1/20251 min read

Field Note : November 2,2025

It’s that time of year again—
the change of seasons.

Time to change the furnace filter,
schedule the fireplace inspection,
check the smoke alarm batteries.

Last night reminded me I’ve got my own system to maintain, too.
Up in the wee hours with stomach cramps—
the kind that make you swear off questionable food
and bad decisions.

I don’t bounce back like I used to.
Now it takes tea, patience,
and a little mercy on myself.

Required maintenance—
for both the house and the human.
And maybe a reminder
to stop eating like I’m still twenty-five.

Field Note: A little reminder that both homes and humans need care—share this with someone who could use a gentle nudge today

Share it with someone who might need a little pause, a smile, or a reminder to be gentle with themselves today.

This story lives in Compass Point 2 — Who Am I Now?