Here we are. The last day of the year 2025. I held off on this post because the timing and message is important. The image in today’s message is my personal reminder of this moment in time in my life where once again I had the challenge ahead of me that I get a chance to start over. This picture of me is in my childhood home. One full of loving memories, family gatherings, laughter and joy. This would be the last Christmas that I could say this was our family home. Approximately a year and half before this I had to make the decision to put my personal belongings in storage and move back in to help watch over my mom. It was a difficult time for me. No personal space and living amongst every memory my mom would not let go of. Her only goal was to get back to my dad in that place that many call heaven. She lost her will to live and nothing we could do would change her mind. She joined him in August of that year, and I was then tasked to empty the house, sell it and try to find a new place to live back in the town that I raised my children. Emptying the home nearly killed me. My body was physically exhausted. My health was reflecting the stress I was putting on it, but I had to keep moving forward. I knew this time was coming before mom left us, so I put my goals and personal plan in motion before she passed. I had to reactivate my real estate license and get back on track to “take care of me again”. I would finally be able to focus on ME! The picture of me was the loneliest I have felt and that says a lot. The house was huge and yet no one was there but me. I still managed to decorate a tree and speak to those that have passed on to let them know I will be OK!
I am sharing this because I want anyone reading to know that it is okay to start over. The key is believing in yourself. Do not rely on others to pull you up. That is where you find your strength. Put in writing what you want to accomplish and SIGN IT! I used to make my children do this exercise and still have those letters to themselves. Sometimes life throws us a curveball. Be prepared to catch it and say, “I’ve got this.” You are stronger than you think.
Since taking this picture, I did move back to the place I call home. I did ramp my business back up. I did find my soulmate, and I am grateful that I knew it was only a moment in time before I found “me” again. Wherever you are, if you are reading this, I am sending you all the strength you need to walk into the New Year and become who you know you can be. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes that I still keep close, because it is true. Happy New Year! I believe you are unstoppable!
“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.”
A Voice For Women 