Everyone is now back to work as the holidays are sadly behind us. At the start of the New Year, I took a look at my life and realized I want to make it better than last year — both personally and professionally.

Mainly, I made a promise to make my health a number-one priority. It seemed as though the first month of the year was brutal when it came to being a victim of cold and the flu — not only once but multiple times. It is beyond irritating, especially when your doctor tells you to receive the flu shot before the holidays. However, having led a very active life for years — in high gear since the early years of college — I also beat down my body, pushing my limits more than necessary.

As a gift, my body slowed me down by developing neuroma in both feet, which is not normal. Last Friday I started my two-part medical journey with the decision to remove these pinched nerves that have handicapped me many times.

With only four days under my belt, I’m already kicking myself for not doing this sooner. No pain, no gain they say — but I really had no pain.

I don’t want to jinx any progress I’ve made so far, but I’m already contemplating how soon I can get the other foot fixed. One thing that does determine my delay is the inability to travel. Regardless of its setbacks, I’m looking ahead and looking forward to my first run in the park with zero pain.

— Banu Yilmaz, advertising director