Begin Again

I absolutely love the Fall! It is most definitely my favorite time of year! My birthday is in September. Ten days later we get to celebrate my sister's birthday. Then there is Halloween, even though I don't celebrate that holiday it is like a marker to me that Thanksgiving is soon around the corner. My mom's birthday is in early December and with Christmas being in December the whole month just seems peaceful and magical. For me, the Fall brings with it gratitude, thankfulness, a sense of peace and a heavy dose of grace. We are all reminded that family is most important and that loving others is a bigger blessing than receiving gifts.

On December 31st, many of us spend time reflecting and almost simultaneously planning for what's to come in the new year. Resolutions begin to take shape and we are all ready to say good-bye to the past year. Like most, I have spent the past few days reflecting and feeling hopeful for things to come in the new year. However, the older I get, the more I have learned to appreciate the moment I am standing in.

I set a reading goal this year to read 24 books, (well, actually that is my goal every year) This year, I did not meet that goal. I read 9 books and that's ok. I did not save as much as I wanted to and that's ok. I also did not finish my theology certification as I had planned but that's ok too. I did, however, transfer to a new school this year and that has been a game changer for me. I have taken several trainings both personal and professional that have been very rewarding. I spent so much time with family and friends that I actually forgot how stressful my job could be at times. My grandson started first grade, my sister took me on my first cruise, I got the opportunity to help my friends and volunteer in my community. Love and I paid for dinner for families we felt led share some good fortune with a few times when we ate at a restaurant. We adopted a rescue dog! My brother, sister and I took our very first siblings vacation. I became a certified yoga instructor and taught a few classes in my community. I accomplished a lot and had a lot of fun doing it.

Today, my plan is very simple: to rest and relax! At some point I will get out of my pj's, probably to take a shower and put on a fresh pair of pj's! Around sunset I will make my way out to my back patio for some meditation and quiet time. My word for 2023 has been decided so I will reflect on it. I will write my prayer for 2023, write my letter to God and set my intentions for the year. I will try to stay up until midnight but I can not make any promises. 2022 was not a bad year for me. It had some challenges but overall, it was a good year. I have a feeling 2023 is going to be even better!

Happy New Year, friends. May you be blessed beyond measure!