New Year, New Light

I usually try to keep this blog light. The topics are encouraging and fun. My mission for SHEbirdie is to be a ray of light, a motivator, a welcoming space to look at pretty things. But sometimes life is a little darker than that. Sometimes hard things happen and we need some encouragement through those times as well.

The past 6 months have been tough for me. There have been some challenging and heartbreaking things that happened in my family. Though it’s been a hard 6 months, it was an experience that I know I had to go through. Sometimes things happen that become lessons and eye-openers and more fuel for grateful living.

So here we are in the New Year. I am more grateful than ever for what I have and who I have in my life. I feel more grown-up and more ready for whatever comes my way. January is usually a time of renewal and goal-setting. That certainly still holds true for me, but I also happen to feel more at peace with my current situation than I ever have before at the start of a new year. Yes, I’ve set some goals – in my love life, for my weight-loss journey, for my career happiness – but there is less pressure and anxiety and more calm and acceptance. I have determination to accomplish many things this year, but I’ve decided it shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel more like an opportunity.

This is my hope and wish for you in the New Year – Embrace the dark days and the hard things in your life. Choose to see the light inside them. Use that light to move you forward. Make your plans and set your goals, but keep an opportunistic point of view. Don’t let pressures and guilt drive you. You can accomplish anything for yourself with hard work and ambition, but keep your peace and remember to be grateful for every small win.
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