Letting go of the old year, Bringing in the New. 2015!

2014 Reflections:

Our first year married was even more awesome than I could ever imagine.

In January, I started work at Brighter Future Health as a social worker where I get to work with the best team I have ever worked with. I am so grateful for my employers.

My own business, In Tune Wellness, has continued to develop and become a defined force in my life. I am loving the learning process.

February was a warm spot in the winter. We went to Jamaica and had a blast.

Apollo (my Boxer) had to have two cancerous spots removed. I cried. I could tell he really hurt and all I could do was hold him.

This spring, I was able to visit my lovely grandmother and it was wonderful.

Also this spring - I poured my heart and soul into my garden and it gave back ten fold. I am planning on doing it all over again soon.

In May, we went to Yellowstone because it is our yearly tradition and we love that place. It never gets old.

This summer was quiet. Dan (my husband) had intense stomach issues and was bed ridden for most of it. We both missed camping but are soooo ready to bring it on this year!

I had so. many. beautiful. walks. this summer.

August was my third anniversary in recovery. I couldn't be more grateful.

Dan and I went to Cancun in September. Again. We really can't stay away from that place because, well, it's just perfect.

Dan's best friend got married in October and he got to be the "reverend". Haha - it was great.

Harvest was intense. I spent days in the kitchen, canning.

Fall was beautiful, but Dan had some health scares I could have done without. My biggest fears are pretty much gone but I get to remember to live one day at a time and enjoy my best friend in this moment.

I cooked my heart out this holiday season and made so much food pretty much everyone is sick of eating...

Christmas was more than I could ask for. More Love than a person needs, warmth, home, good people surrounding me, and my best friend and husband to share it all with. Oh, and I got a piano. That is a great addition to our home.

The New Year - that's tomorrow. I am excited to clear out all of the old energy in my life. I am cleaning out my home and organizing. I am freshening up my rooms and getting rid of things that have gotten old. I am renewing goals that have gotten fuzzy and picking up books that have gotten dusty. I am maintaining my visions for good health and tightening up my discipline. I am cleaning up relationships and redefining my priorities. Kindness, Love and Patience are my goals for 2015. I hope you all feel as blessed as I do!!!

Changes, Honesty, and Acceptance

Life is fluid. Changing. You will never step into the same river twice. And our journey through life demands a constant will to adapt. This requires honesty and unwavering dedication to see reality for what it is, instead of forcing a fantasy that will never be. We all have those fairy tales and dreams we are fighting for, and sometimes, telling ourselves they are real is the best we can do. Once we can peel away a layer of our fantasies and step out of our illusions for just a second, that is where the change has a chance to begin. We must be aware of our reality and what is true before we can take action.

Throughout my life, I have had moments where I am barely hanging on and moments where I am unshakable. I have been unspeakably happy and I have been wounded and devastated. Despite all of my efforts to force my own will and dreams upon life, it has always had a plan of its own. My part is to open my arms with gratitude and flow with the direction that is revealed to me, no matter what that direction is. It requires an honest look at reality, acceptable of that reality, and a will to work on myself and take action. I never know what is coming next. Sometimes, I am shocked at how blessed I am. Other times, I must grieve and labor to accept the things revealed.

There are so many things that can threaten the life I think I want. There are money problems, work problems, family problems, conflicts, and personal struggles that can all upset my idea of "perfection" and "happiness". I have felt pretty good, at times, with pushing through these difficulties and enjoying the journey. Life has given me a greater challenge recently and I am having trouble accepting it. It is scary. It is threatening. It could change my life - change me - significantly. I have two people in my life, who I dearly love, fighting for their lives. I am powerless over health. I do not get to choose whose heart beats, whose blood pumps, or which medicine will work. I only get to observe life and enjoy good health while it is given. I have taken it for granted in the past. I choose to relish it fully in the future.

We don't get to edit our time on this earth or rewind time lost on things that didn't matter. Time is constantly moving forward and we can choose to let it pass by, or stay in tune with each moment, cherishing those we love.

What takes your energy each day? Is it work? School? Worries? Money? Do you fully enjoy your children, family, and loved ones? Do you give your own life your best, or what's left?

Start the conversation below or send me an email at defytheaverage@gmail.com