As we set to wrap up yet another year, I want to pause and give thanks.
I want to thank my friends, my close, tight, and intimate group that keep me grounded. Life without you would be uneventful - mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We make each other laugh, we keep each other accountable, we keep each other motivated, and we keep each other uplifted. We've shared tears, laughs, hugs, intimate stories, goals, frustrations, heartaches, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear - we've shared a version of ourselves that not many are privileged too - and for that I am thankful.
I wish you lots of love - self love and love from your dear ones. I wish you financial wealth; whether it's $1,000 or $1 million - whatever will bring you comfort, security, and joy - may you receive it. I wish you mental stability. I wish you confidence - a self confidence that is not conceited; but one of grace and authenticity. I wish you honor and respect - but remember that it starts with YOU. Show people how to treat you and do not settle for less - EVER!. I wish you professional growth - in your current field or wherever God may lead you. Let the past stay in the past. We're approaching a new year - a new beginning; let go. May this new year be filled with positive experiences beyond your wildest dreams. I'm honored to have you in my life. This up coming year, is truly going to be our best one yet!
To my family - we didn't choose each other; God had an awesome plan when He chose us to be forever connected. We have wasted enough time with jealousy, comparing ourselves to one another, with gossip, with put downs, with letting our ego and pride get in the way. We need to do better. We need to BE better! God put us together for a reason. Let's stop making excuses and let's stop letting others get in our way of being a family. None of us are better than the other; regardless of who has a job, who drives what type of car, who is married, who is engaged, who lives where - we can do better than that! This up coming each let's make a promise to be more in each other's lives; and not only when you need something - but all the time. Let's connect. Let's be present. We didn't choose each other, but God did and He did it for a reason. Let's make sure that our kids know each other and grow up with one another. Let's do better for our next generation. I give thanks because although we truly haven't been there for each other, we have an opportunity to begin again. We are all breathing - we still have a chance. I give God thanks for my brothers, my sister, my nieces and nephews. I give thanks to God for my cousins, aunt, and uncles. I give thanks for my grandmother. Most importantly, I give thanks to God for my Mom, Dad and my step-parents. We have a huge family - and we have lots of places to visit. So let's connect!
My darling husband and kids - We've had a fun year. We've settled in our home. We went to Mexico, went to a few parks, celebrated a milestone birthday, celebrated other birthdays, and soon my Munchkinmellow will go off to college. We have a lot planned for 2016 and I cannot wait. As I work on my Master's degree, I thank you for your support, James. Without you, this journey would be a hellish one! Thank you for always supporting me. I can't wait to see what surprises 2016 will bring. My Monster will turn 14 and in a few short years, she too will be off to college. Ah - then the real fun begins ;-) My Parker - has his own place and is making positive changes in his life. For you, my son, my prayer is that you learn to be patient and stay focused in the current; make a plan and break it down to bite size pieces - tackling one thing at a time. I pray for confidence and for you never to quit! You have a drive and hunger for success - keep it up. Don't ever - ever give up! Believe in yourself, like I believe in you. 2016 - we're ready for you!
And I'll close with this: Maryann, I thank you for being you. Always pushing the limits and never doubting your abilities. Continue pushing forward and never let go of your sense of wonder. The world is yours to conquer!
