How do you say goodbye to a year that’s been so amazing that you don’t want it to end; or to a year that’s been dreadful and full of pain that you just want to forget it all? Either way, you say farewell with a humble and grateful heart. Since I started my blog in December 2016, writing it has helped bring healing , joy and inspiration to me personally and many others . I can't believe it's been 2 years! I will never forget my first blog post: “You Matter” which turned my life around. Ever since then, I have believed that everyone in this world matters. You matter to yourself so never do a disservice to yourself by forgetting who you are and called to be in this life. Whatever roller coaster year you have had, take time to truly reflect, write down things you are grateful for and things that stretched you this year… you might surprise yourself.
Whether 2018 has been full of fun and new adventures, or filled with sorry and unbearable pain, I encourage you to stretch forth your hands, take a deep breath and let it all go. Whatever has happened, by midnight tomorrow (December 31, 2018) it will all be a distant memory. Cherish good memories. As difficult as it is, give thanks for the challenges and heartaches because you are still here and made it through. I know the tough times were not easy to bear, but you are still standing. As for the regrets, it’s time to let those go. Whatever could/should have happened (or not), is over and done with. You can’t turn back the clock… you can’t take back the words you said or actions… it’s done. Don’t let it weigh down on you so heavily that you can’t move on. MOVE FORWARD!
Side note: One of my closest friends lost her husband to cancer, mother and then her dad all within 5 months of the latter part of 2018—talk about that being HEART-WRENCHING… And YET!!! I know it’s been hard for her… but I have watched my friend encourage and love on others in a way that has humbled me and even put me to shame for the times I’ve been ungrateful—intentionally or unintentionally. I know she can’t wait for 2018 to be over. To forget… In spite of the pain, she is ALWAYS thankful. If you, or someone you know has been through some tough times this year, and it’s been a roller coaster, take heart knowing that you were not alone, and you will heal. It may take a while longer to heal, but 2019 is coming. I don’t know what the new year will bring for all of us, but I want to be more grateful daily.
Reminder: When I woke up this morning, I remembered that I simply need to be grateful, kind and forgiving… just like a child in their innocence. I had a sleepover with my 5-year-old niece, and she reminded me by her actions and my responses (more like reactions) to her that life is not that complicated when you are grateful, kind and forgiving. Learn to let things go more quickly. Imagine the impact we could have if everyone decided to be grateful, kind and forgiving in 2019! The new year may be another roller coaster ride, but if you’re determined to be grateful, kind and forgiving… outcomes of different challenges may surprise you. Think about it. Consider saying farewell to 2018 because it’s not going to rewind and start over! Prepare to embrace 2019 with gratitude, kindness and forgiveness. Be encouraged 😊
Thank you for being you!
