Resolutions Undefined

It’s that time again, time to list resolutions for the year ahead, defining a “new” start, a “new” year, a “new” you. Well, pardon me if I say, forget that noise. Don’t get me wrong, I believe setting goals and working toward them is healthy in all aspects of life, however I do not believe success or failures of your “list” should ever define you. Life has unexpected events, twists and turns, hardships and successes, and we are not given the play by play of what the next chapter will bring, so while we strive to be better every day, let us strive to accept who we are as enough.

That list, and whether or not we stop even looking at it in a week or in a few months does not define you, and is not the judge or jury on your track toward living your best life, but it can be a reminder. For me, I will be making a list of goals because I feel it’s important to visualize our dreams, but in the process I will also remind myself that this list is only a guide on the path of continuing to be the best version of me for the present moment of each day, and not a list that defines me, because while…

I will make healthier and realistic choices for me, my weight/body type, food choices and gym time do NOT define me;

I will make smarter financial decisions for me and my family, my wealth or material things do NOT define me;

I will strive to turn my “job” into my dream, my title does NOT define me; and

I will make attempts to forgive myself and those who have hurt me, my past does NOT define me.

These reminders not only allow me to see what does not define me but what does, and that is the love in my heart, the kindness I share and the peace in my soul. I am enough, and I wouldn’t trade this me for a “new” me any year, because this me is pretty darn awesome no matter where I am in the journey of this life.

You are enough, every little quirk, every scar, every smile, every choice and every piece that makes you, you. Set your goals for you, work to accomplish them for you, but always remember what truly defines you.

Reflecting on 2018, I am grateful for every lesson, fear overcome, goal reached, and connections made and look forward to each in the year to come.

Much love and happiness for the new year!

Lisa J.

FINDING HAPPY, ONE DAY AT A TIME – The End but Just the Beginning

Photo by Pexels.com

Wow, wow. I can’t even believe that tomorrow marks three whole months since I began the Finding Happy posts along with the Facebook group challenge. This life “project” began as a way to spread positivity, light and love into a world that desperately needs it, but never did I imagine how my own life would shift in the process, and I am overwhelmed with joy. My intention when I began was to encourage hope, healing, and living, and to remind you to believe in yourselves, your strengths and the incredible light inside.

To my surprise, as I walked this path with all of you, I found pieces of me I was never aware of, desires I didn’t know I had, and scars that needed healing. And, while I completed my own personal “paper” goal of posting in the group every day for 90 days, I also accomplished internal goals by facing my fears, reflecting on my past and overcoming giant mental and emotional obstacles that blocked my way to my true path. In addition to these enormous steps in my own life, I have also had the privilege of reconnecting with old friends, making new ones and have had the opportunity to hear your stories of gratitude, kindness, fears and inspiration along the way. There are no words to describe the fullness of my heart.

I cautiously began this journey years ago, but the shift that took place this time around when I jumped in both feet, was a shift I am eternally grateful to have experienced. They say 21 days makes a habit and at 90 days it becomes a lifestyle, and let me tell you, that is no joke. While no life is perfect, and times still get hard, there is a significant difference in how I live them, because now, when the dark days roll in, the light exists in me. I may need to allow myself to feel the present emotions of these moments, but I am better equipped to handle them, and come out the other side at a run instead of a crawl. As a whole, my steps are lighter, my thoughts are kinder, my heart is love and I am happier.

The results are quite remarkable, and it’s a journey I will never regret, especially because my biggest lesson through these last few months has been that good truly does exist. It may be in many forms, and you may have to look deeper, but it’s there, and when you walk in the good, and the more good put out into this world, the more that comes back to you.

For me, there is no doubt that the practice of conscious positivity, kindness, gratitude, love, forgiveness, dreaming, facing fears, and self-care has shifted my internal thoughts, ideas and heart to a better place, and it’s a practice that I intend to continue, and I hope you do too.

For all who have followed me from the beginning, all who joined me in the middle, and those who I have not yet met, I thank you, and I believe in you. Be the good and continue to be the amazing you.

************

It is my full intention to stay the course and continue posting in the group daily, however, the format may change just a little. I know that many like a challenge, because it feels like something they can begin and end, a task they must fulfill for the day, and it’s something they can mark off the list, I would like to get away from that label, and call it “Finding You, One Day at a Time”. There are so many components to what makes you the you that you are meant to be, and happiness is only one of them.

It is also my plan to begin sharing my stepping stones to this place in my life after years of sadness, anger, blame and rebellion. I have learned through this process that while we all love to hear what we should practice, we are even more encouraged to act when we hear why we should practice.

I hope you stay tuned, as one door closes and another one opens…Welcome to Positively Love, Scene 2319, Take 40, Finding You, One Day at a Time… 😊

Much Love,

Lisa J.

Once Upon a Decade + Eight

Eight years ago I wrote the original version of this post. Today, with a few tweaks, bittersweet feelings and a heart overfull with love, I post it again to my strong, sweet, creative, amazing daughter on her 18^th birthday. Legally, you are an adult, but you will always be my  little girl.

********

Once Upon a Decade (+Eight) an Angel was born…

How time flies – from the moment you entered my life, the world that I knew was rocked to the core.  I had been blessed with the most beautiful rose, hands so small and eyes so big.  Never did I think I could love so much, never did I believe this tiny little person would change my ways, my heart and my path, and continue to do so years later.  From first words to first grade, first crush to first car, everything you have done, and will do, is extraordinarily out of this universe.

My life was forever altered, and I am eternally grateful.  Although I knew from the beginning I could never give you the world (as much as I want to) and I could never promise perfection, today I give you what’s in my heart.

As we celebrate your EIGH(TE)ENTH birthday, I make to you the same promises that I made the day you born, and every day since…

I promise…

To always be there, whether you want me or not, big or small. I may not be able to solve whatever comes your way, and I may not always understand, but you will never need to question my presence, either by your side or in your heart;

I promise…

To be that mom. Your biggest cheerleader for all that you dream of, work toward and accomplish. I will also be the quiet shoulder for the times you feel unsteady or shaken with words of comfort and encouragement;

I promise…

To allow you space to make your life choices, whether it be school, career, friends or relationships, this time is yours to find your tribe, your path and your passion;

I promise…

To never lose faith in who you are or what you can do. You have shown me every moment on this planet that you are capable of more than anyone will ever know, and I will never doubt your abilities, your intelligence or your heart;

I promise…

To listen, discuss, debate, agree and agree to disagree with you, but no matter how heated or how controversial, I will always end the conversation with a hug;

I promise…

To be your mom. Yes, you still need a mom, and wherever life may take you that is one fact that will never change;

I promise…

To let go, step back, and watch you grow up into the incredible woman you were born to be, and stand in amazement as you awe the world with the light that you bring; and

I promise…

To love you unconditionally with every piece of my heart, forever and always…

I Promise.

Happy 18^th Birthday my Sweet Ms. Rose, follow your heart toward all your dreams, and may this next chapter of your life bring you more joy than you can imagine, love that fills your soul, happiness beyond measure and so much fun and laughter you never forget how amazing it and you are!!

I love you!

Mom