Two more days after today and we start a new year. My goodness, this year has flown by. There has been good and there has been bad. There has been happiness and there has been sadness. There has been abundance and there has been scarcity. There has been sickness and there has been health. Such is the cycle of life.
I know there are many that have lost loved ones this past year and my heart hurts for you. It is never easy. Loss is hard to handle, and it is something that we truly never get over - BUT we do go on.
We are here today - that shows that we do get by, somehow, some way. We have all made it through our worst moments! Think about that.
Bad things happen to all of us. I hope we all remember that when we lose someone special, we can keep them in our heart and mind. Live each day in HONOR of them. Yes, we grieve and mourn, but we can't let that take us over - that is not how to honor them. Death is part of life, and that is hard to understand at times. Live well and do for others. Remember, every time you speak their name or tell their story, you are keeping them alive. HONOR those who have gone on to the next stage of life.
Each day is a gift. Unwrap it and enjoy it to max. Be appreciative, no matter what the day brings. Life experiences help us grow and help us understand others. It is all part of the flow of life.
I look forward to going through 2022 with you all.
Tomorrow is a new day, and we have this!
See you tomorrow, my friends.
***********
PS - I wonder if anyone has heard from Frances of In my Corner of the Trailer Park? She has always commented at least once a week for ages and has not posted since mid-November. I know her husband has had health issues and is much older - I am just worried.
I totally understand that many people only comment once in a great while - but she usually visited at least once a week. Love hearing about her world.
Frances if you see this - just let us know you are OK. If anyone else has contact - let her know I am concerned.
Thanks
Yes, we miss so much in our hurried days and there is so much joy to be had in the little things.
ReplyDeleteExactly! SO many things that may mean nothing to another can make each of us smile.
DeleteYes, we have so much to be grateful for even when we sometimes think we don’t, we do. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteWelcome. Waking up and going to bed - it huge. Another day we received. So much taken for granted.
DeleteWhenever I am tempted to whinge and kvetch, I think of my many blessings. There is so much beauty and joy in our world, yes, even in these messed up and uncertain days. The cardinals and blue jays brighten our barren backyard. The Chihuahuas Riley and Jacob are such a joy and even provide daily steps...let the dogs out, let the dogs in, let the dogs out, let the dogs in. Our home always smells of wonderful cooking. A bright spot in my day is reading your blog post and the comments. Sure hope Frances is okay.
ReplyDeleteLove it. Yes, so many things that are just daily things - but give us joy, exercise, love, smiles.
DeleteI sure hope she is OK too.
We're fine. I just didn't have anything to contribute to the Christmas-oriented posts. Thank you very much for your concern!
ReplyDeleteOk thank goodness. I have really been worried. So happy you are both well. Hope to see you back on here soon!
DeleteMe, too! Frances, I admire all you do to be frugal and take care of your husband. Your comments are always so interesting!
DeleteThank you, Linda!
DeleteAs this year winds down with a new year and big changes ahead (for us), I've thought a lot about gratitude. And when I've shared little memories in comments, there's probably no hint I grew up in a troubled, often violent home. Because you know what? There were a shocking number of ordinary moments and enough GOOD times to bring back fond memories. I don't say that to sound unempathetic. It's just that I've learned we can choose what to focus our minds on.
ReplyDeleteLast night I slept in a warm, comfortable bed. The roof doesn't leak. When I woke at 4 a.m., a pot of coffee could be started with clean water and electricity. I was able to enjoy the quiet of the predawn, rainy morning. Maybe the neighbor's cat will come to visit when the rain stops. Yes, it really IS the little things.
--Elise
P.S. When I have my down days--and I do--it's been such an immense gift to come to your blog, feel inspired or comforted by what you've posted, Cheryl, and the many comments that follow. Special thanks to everyone. --Elise
DeleteIs the small things - as corny as it sounds.
DeleteI am sorry you went through that stuff - but, you have the right idea. We can make our happiness despite things.
We all have bad days - I do too. That is so kind of you to say such nice things. Everyone here is so supportive. We are all blessed
Yes! So many blessings! I am learning to count the small ones. The birds I feed, the sun coming up, a snowy Christmas morning, even washing dishes (because it means we enjoyed another good meal as a family!).
ReplyDeleteI used to dread the end of the year. It felt like all my personal failures in the year were coming home to roost and stare me down. It was so depressing, year after year.
This year, I feel different. I am celebrating the support I gave my family, the small steps I took to improve our home, and the steps I took (and continue to take) improving my eating habits and exercise. I have learned to tell myself, as long as I get my steps in, everything else is gravy. Vacuuming and dusting can wait--my health can't!
Thank you for so much thoughtful, insightful posts this year, Cheryl. I look forward to more of the same good, solid common sense this year! Blessings to all in 2022!!
Love it, love, love it.
DeleteNo failures - just new opportunities to do better and try again!!!
You have done well and small steps are really huge steps in life. I am glad you working on your health. I kind of look at some housework as exercise. Vacuuming is a workout, and my basement stairs are good for cardio. I turn on music and dance!!!! (like I can).
Thank you for your kind words.
YEs, I have been so blessed this year. I was able to see my sister and SLugs, I went to Alaska on a cruise, I was able to go to Hawaii. It has been hard with our deaths, but so much to be thankful for and it is the small things my friend. I am so thankful for you.
ReplyDeleteYou got to do some wonderful things this year. You know even through those bad times, good things came. It is hard to believe - but good does come from bad.
DeleteSo happy you are here.
I am just catching up on posts and emails after having taken nearly a week off so just want to say "Thank You" for this blog and I wish everyone all the best for 2022.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very quiet Christmas with just a couple of friends as all my family live outside he city and we are once again being asked to stay home and limit gatherings. We have Zoomed and chatted on the phone and everyone is well so that is the most important thing. I was chatting with my sister this morning and there are always a few worries or things to be annoyed about - but that is life. In the end we both had to acknowledge that we are better off than many and that we have a lot to be grateful for and that is what we will concentrate on!
Happy New Year Cheryl.
Yes, no one has a perfect life - things happen. Yet, we continue on each and every day.
DeleteI am glad you got to Zoom and talk with family and see them that way. YES - "everyone is well" is what is important.
Thank you and happy to have you back.
Thank you. I have so many things to be thankful for. My family is healthy(mostly.) I still have my mom. Our weather is regular with very few extermes. I have enough to eat. I have a comfortable home. My needs are met.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that wonderful! When we have enough - we are good!
DeleteWhen the pandemic started and all the negativity was being posted on Facebook, I decided that every day I would post an uplifting quote. That helps me and I found out many of my friends just wait for what quote I post and how I fit it into my daily life.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Love that. We all need as much positivity as we can get. That is why I don't post about the pandemic or politics!
DeleteKeep it up!
You are so right that the small, simply things in life are there to enjoy. Life is full of ups and downs, (a family member has just dropped a piece of info that has badly affected her youngest child and will need kind words and work and compromise) but gosh, we have so much to be thankful for. I have seen my sister's MIL twice since her heart operation on the 22nd and she is just fine and positive it went well and is happy to be home. Thank you for your uplifting blog and a Happy New Year to you and your readers.
ReplyDeleteEvery blessing - big or small - should be considered a joy.
DeletePrayers for your family member.
Each day and all it holds is a gift.
Thank you
Thank you, Cheryl. You've nailed it on how to cope after loss. Every day is a gift and I open it and live the way my hubs would have wanted, to honor him and all we learned together. It starts with baby steps after loss and grows to strides as we gain strength and confidence. Sending hugs and wishes for a great New Year, filled with joy, fulfillment, and growth for all.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is tough, especially at the beginning. Days do get better - even though the loss is still with us. YES I want to live in a way to honor. The greatest gift we can get and give!!!
Delete