From the blog 1000 Awesome Things:
That was a tough one.
Come on in and stop for a second to shake your head, dust yourself off, and look back at how far you’ve come.
Sure, it’s been a long year. Some crushing lows slapped you and smacked you around. There were times your heart dipped and you squinted back tears while your stomach squeezed so tightly you couldn’t sleep. There were moments you walked around in a glossy-eyeball daze — when loved ones hurt, friends didn’t stay, or someone dear to your heart slowly drifted away.
Sleepless nights, stressful nights, with teething babies, slurring customers, bad bosses, bickering boyfriends, or blank computer screens. You were feeling and you were dealing and you were reeling and you were healing.
But as you walked your hard path down your long and bumpy road some little drops of confidence dripped like coffee into your head and into your heart. As you stumbled and got back up a quiet inner strength slowly seeped into your bones. And as you climbed over obstacles set in your way some relaxed satisfaction and growing self-awareness glimmered like bright lights at the bottom of your stomach.
Yes, this year changed you and grew you in so many ways you don’t even feel or notice yet. As you struggled you empathized, as you slipped you understood, as you worked you earned…
… as you looked you learned
… … as you dared you grew
… … … and as you jumped you flew.
Your dreams are still focusing and your passion is growing. Your energy is still bubbling as your story keeps going.
You’ve been through so much and gained a year’s supply of experience along the way. You’re stronger than you were last year and stronger than you realize. Sure, there were times you bent, but you definitely didn’t break. There were times you caved, but you definitely didn’t flake.
Listen up: you got bigger, you got better, and you got the scars to prove it.
So stop for a second today to smile and look back at everything you’ve done this year… everything you’ve seen… everywhere you’ve been…
You’ve taken more illegal naps and had more blurry-eyed late nights.
You’ve danced to more wedding songs and smiled at more beautiful sights.
You’ve seen more scorching sunsets and heard more head-bopping songs.
You’ve tripped a few times, but baby, you kept rolling right along.
Yes, you’ve hugged more old friends and kissed some brand new pretty faces.
You’ve cheered more on the sidelines and visited some brand new pretty places.
You tasted more meals, you got more deals, and you’ve sniffed more flower blossoms.
And you made it all the way through this year because you’re so completely
AWESOME!
I hope everyone can look back at this past year and smile.
Love,
Leigh
Leigh, thanks for the message, I like it because it is positive and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pretty good year for Dad and I. There haven't been any births, but no deaths either. We have worked hard on the cabin and it's getting done. No lost jobs, the bills are paid and there is a little in the bank, even if it is at about .75%. Sadly there were no weddings - but happily no divorces. We received new callings that we enjoy. There were no major illnesses or arguments. The house is still standing and the cars still running. Apples still grow on the trees and weeds in the garden. The garden is smaller and the lawn larger, maybe we can sit more and work less. I don't run down the stairs anymore, but I can get to the bottom in not too long of a time. I haven't gained weight and have high hopes that I can even lose a bit - thanks to the head start from the illness Dad, Julie and I endured last weekend. Things are moving right along. It may be crazy to say that 'cause we don't know what is around the corner but it's a new year and we are ready. Hope you all have a happy and prosperous one.
With all my love for each of you, Carolyn/Mom