Hi! I know it’s been awhile since you’ve heard from me. Thought I’d let you know I’m still alive. I unexpectedly had surgery a couple of months ago and it’s taken a while to get back into the swing of things. Despite that, I couldn’t let this year end without one last post. 🙂
Scrolling through my various social media feeds the past few days I have noticed a trend. Most people felt like 2018 was a dumpster fire of a year. I may be in the minority here, but I’d say 2018 was pretty much a good year for me. Yes, there are parts of it I’d like to forget – I’m looking at you anemia & uterine eviction surgery; parts that were bittersweet – two graduations and one kid’s move to Utah; however, there were plenty of parts that were amazing – adventures with several people I love, successful surgeries for a few of us, a new doorway opened, and too many others to count. While I will agree that it’s time to put 2018 behind us, for me it was a year full of change, challenge, AND blessing.
A few years ago I started adopting a word for each year. 2018 ’s word is Finish. I have a tendency to begin things with great gusto, only to lose steam part way through, usually leaving a mess in the wake of my endeavors. I’d love to blame it all on my ADD, but I need to own my choices, so I won’t. (I’ve heard this is called adulting which I can confirm is a highly overrated.) Honestly, if I allowed myself that excuse for my laziness I’d never get anything done!
2018’s word has been challenging, to say the least. And I must admit that there are many unfinished things I’m taking into the new year with me, but there is one thing I finished that I am particularly proud of. My co-author and I finished the first draft of our book. Done. Finito. (Except for the editing, querying, book proposaling, etc. That’s what 2019 is for, right?) This was a huge accomplishment and a leap forward in pursuit of a long held dream. On the merits of this alone I’m calling 2018 a win for me. I finished a freaking book! Following the checking off of that box, I’m ready to embrace a new word, and whatever it brings with it.
I pulled the picture at the top of this blog from a friend’s Facebook feed. It felt like a great way to look at tomorrow and the new year ahead. 2019 is the beginning of a brand new chapter in the book of our lives. I am choosing to embrace the fresh start. I hope you’ll join me.
As we finish the last page of 2018, there are a few things I’d like to make sure I include in my conclusion:
- If I have hurt you in any way, I apologize and seek your forgiveness. I will do my best not to repeat my actions.
- If you have hurt me in any way, I forgive you. I will do my best not to hold it against you.
- Finally, I am grateful for each and every one of you that takes the time to read, like, share, comment on, etc., my musings. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.
Onward to 2019!
Shannon R. Brown 