“Heart Attack Clarke.” That’s the nickname a friend at work gave me recently. Fortunately, it has nothing to do with my cardiovascular system or stress levels. Rather, it marks a change of attitude following a very difficult year.

During the spring of 2012 I abruptly transitioned onto the graveyard shift, and the major change in hours put a strain on both my marriage and health. My wife and I worked within the parameters as best as we could. Physically, though, I was exhausted most of the time, and weekends left me feeling jet-lagged. Melatonin quickly became my friend, as did the couch.

The collateral damage in all of this included household projects and spending time with friends. Other than playing on my soccer team, I wasn’t hanging out with people all that much. Being on an opposite schedule and fighting fatigue didn’t leave me a whole lot of energy for socializing.

Then, something remarkable happened. My schedule changed significantly for the better a month ago. I’m back on days with new duties and the opportunity to work closely with some folks I really respect. Couple that with being around people again on a daily basis, and I’m one happy employee!

Getting sleep, enjoying the long daylight hours of early summer, and rediscovering gratitude for being alive led to my new nickname. My friend was reminded of heart attack victims who almost die but come back from the brink with a new lease on life. While it certainly wasn’t a near-death experience, working graveyard did kill my joy. Although I never want to live through anything like it again, I’m grateful for the new outlook that has been produced.

These days I’m making up for lost time. Household projects I couldn’t be bothered with are completed. Plants are planted. Windows are washed. Home thermostats are installed. My wife and I attend events. My workouts are better. Everyone gets a smile and a hello in the halls at work as though I hadn’t seen them in a year, which of course is true! Yep, I’m back, and my family has also taken notice — glad their husband and son is living again and not just existing until his next nap.

All of this good news does mean I’m a little behind in updating this blog. I’ve still got multiple chapters to write in both the Newport Tales and Trials, Joys and Life Lessons With Fish Tacos series. They haven’t been forgotten, and I will get back to them in the near-term. But, you’ll have to excuse me for now as the patio garden, the summer sun, and my wife need my attention. Life is good…