imageGoodbye 2013 –

You taught me so much. Restoration came as promised amid challenge and controversy. I learned to have faith in God above all men, to trust my gut when determining next steps, and to be wary of people who make my spirit contract. I’ve learned to speak my truth lest I create sickness in my body by holding my tongue, always using my clear, genuine voice.

I’ve learned to unabashedly keep true friends close, since they pass so infrequently through my life. Everyone who is with you is not for you. I’ve learned to leave doors shut and stuff the crevices with plastic if necessary to preserve my sanity.

I’ve learned to be open to all good and politely keep my distance from the bad. Now, I will accept joy and live in the present. I will no longer deny myself happiness because of real or perceived failure in the past or present. Forgiving myself won’t be so hard after today. Because I will continue to act with good intentions.

I will love without reservation, sharing the love I hope to receive. But I will not squander my love or energy on the unworthy.

And while we are talking about animals, your monkeys will remain your monkeys so I can do more of what I’ve been called to do.

I will fear less. Because I have learned that fear is the source of most mediocrity.

And above all, I’ve learned to be me. I can’t be anyone else as well, nor can I give as much unless I am an original. And if you don’t like it….well there are other places for you.

Here’s to 2014! A year of love!

May God bless you and yours in 2014 and beyond.