It's officially the last day of November, and I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. It's like the saying goes: the days are long, but the years are short! I for one am ready to have 2016 in the rearview mirror. Sure, some amazing things happened this year, but overall it was one for the birds (whatever that means, I don't remember any birds ever doing anything to deserve this negative attention, but there you have it). I'm just glad that we get to end this year the way we end every year, with the best season EVER!
There is something so wonderful about December. It is a time for things to slow down. A time for reflection and thanksgiving. It's a time, for lack of a better word, for peace. Not that we should need a season to be peaceful, but it always feels like everyone gets to take a deep breath around the holidays. We get a chance to stop and remind ourselves what truly matters in this life. Our loved ones, being charitable and kind to our neighbors, takin the time to appreciate the little things in life because we all know that we will look back one day and those little things will be the big things.
For me, I like to try to take this time to regroup and make a plan for the next year. Not in the sense of making an itinerary or list of tangible goals (because, let's be honest...New Years resolutions are iffy at best), but more of a brainstorm on ways to be a better person. What are the most important things to me in life right now? How do I change my behaviors and thought processes to make myself and those around me happier? I like to look back on the past year and think about all of the wonderful things that happened. But I also like to think back to all of the less than great things, and try to figure out how I can grow and learn from them. Maybe that's a bit cheesy, but that's pretty much par for the course with me :)
This year I have been incredibly lucky to meet a whole new group of people. I've made friends that I never would have met had I not moved to Florida. These are friends who became like family despite differences in religion, beliefs, culture, and political preferences. Needless to say, I feel like I have grown a lot this year as a person DESPITE the national and global political scene. There is something so beautifully challenging about crossing over that line of misunderstanding and being able to shake hands and come to place of mutual respect.
I'm also super thankful for my family this year (and every year)! It has been a new kind of challenge for us to separated by so many miles, and unfortunately one that will continue to push us for the next few years, but it has brought us closer together and made me even more appreciative of the unconditional love and support I always have from them <3
This year has also been a powerful year of growth for J and I as a couple. It can be challenging to keep the balance of growing and learning and changing as an individual while doing the same as a couple, but I have an amazing partner and there is no one I would rather be on this crazy journey with! I can't believe we are only 45 days out from our wedding eeeeeeeee!!!! I am so thankful to be gaining a whole new set of siblings and family members to add to our big, incredible tribe!
One of of the more difficult things that has happened this year was the passing of my sweet Ollie. Ollie was in my life from the very first day I came home as a newborn and she helped raise my sister and me alongside my parents for almost 28 years. I can honestly say that I am the woman I am today in great part to her, and I am so grateful for the time I got with her especially since coming back to NC this summer. I have so may hilarious, amazing, sweet memories of our time together over the years and I will treasure them forever <3
So, with a new month beginning tomorrow, let's all try to hold on to those feelings of thanksgiving and love and move into the holiday season with open hearts and minds. Happy Holidays Everyone!
"When the roots are deep, there is no need to fear the wind."
