Happy 2015!

Well folks, here we are ... a new year is upon us!  I am very happy to say that I am in a much better frame of my mind at the start of this new year than I was last year.  And that is not to say that the same depressing realities aren't going on (ie. illness, deaths, etc.), because those are definitely occurring.  I figure I must be getting old.  But I like to think of it in a better light...I am maturing mentally and thus aging gracefully.  This is a VERY good thing if you ask me.  It is accepting and embracing the essence of life.

I have a new favorite website which is extremely motivational: www.soulseeds.com.  They stated aging so eloquently in this blog (LINK): "Don't regret growing older.  It's a privilege denied to many.  Embrace it.  Appreciate its unique gifts.  Live it fully!"  They even titled it fabulously: "Ageing As Adventure, Not Affliction."  Well said Soulseeds!

Last year at this time, I was overwhelmed with the realities of life.  I had unexpectedly lost a good friend on December 11th (as discussed in THIS blog), I was not speaking with a very close friend, and I was simply overwhelmed, as I typically am during the holiday season.  (Ironically, last January proved to be even rougher than December with brutally cold temperatures and having my asthma child get pneumonia, as chronicled in my family calendar.  By the way, I love the year end ritual of filling out the new calendar with birth dates and anniversary dates of loved ones, as it gives me an opportunity to reminisce about the entire previous year.  However, I digress...)

As I sit here writing this on January 1st, I am coming off of a month that dealt with the death of a friend to ALS and then 2 days later the first of my three daughters came down with the respiratory flu, including two additional weeks of complications with my asthma kid.

I am not writing this to complain or lament.  I am writing this to let you know that I am no longer living a life of fear and dread (which is huge considering that panic and anxiety have been a big part of who I am for as long as I can remember).  I now accept life's imperfections.  I am glad to be healthy and alive.  For the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to the new year.  Yes, I know it will contain illnesses and losses and frustrations, but it will also contain many new experiences, many new opportunities for love and laughter.  We are alive and here for the ride, we might as well enjoy our journey.

I, for one, am extremely happy that I am in this place of acceptance and love for life.  I know I have difficult things to get through, however, I also look forward to what new adventures await me.  And mostly, if I am not happy with something in my current reality, it is in my hands to change it and make it for the better.


Filled with Hope for the New Year,

Me


Motivational Moment:

I was talking with daughter B an hour ago and telling her that I want to make goals for this year and not simply drift along as I have been doing.  One of the goals is to create something.  And this total sweetheart of a daughter of mine said simply and quietly: "I will be the first one to buy it mom."  My heart swelled with love at the big heart that is this child.

My wish for you is a New Year filled with tons of love and laughter that help you get through the realities that life will throw at you.

Hugs and Love,
SG