Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water

Good morning!

Happy New Year!

I am thrilled and grateful to be here!

If you know then you know about me and odd-numbered years- I don't have a very good track record, but this one FEELS different.

This one FEELS like joy! 

This one FEELS like peace!

This actually FEELS like FREEDOM!

And this feels like one of my longest posts EVER! Whew! Please bear with me! 

I have some things that I want to say that'll hopefully inspire us all to move a little bit differently this year because it's time for me to be soft, to be feminine, and to be still so that I listen to my body and hear God's whispers.

I really just want some much needed rest; I feel like I've been going nonstop for years and 2025 is finally giving me a break- a chance to catch my breath and to smell my roses. 

2024, I owe my gratitude and my respect.

One thing that I know for sure: I CAN do "hard" things!

I've endure a lot.

I've conquered a lot. 

But more importantly, I stopped measuring my success with someone else's ruler! 

My life is full because I said it's full; I work hard and I live well!

That "spilled milk" didn't spoil! It didn't even get the chance to spread because I cleaned up the messes that I needed to and I walked into the new year feeling and smelling fresh!

One of my favorite songs (or maybe it's a hymn) is "Blessed Assurance" and I almost titled this post as such, but then I heard, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" playing on repeat in my mind and I knew that this was the title for such a time.

The song opens up somehow knowing what I was feeling for a long time; "When you're weary/ feeling small/ When tears are in your eyes..." And I know that I'm not very expressive with my true feelings and emotions, but I think that's because I've never felt safe enough to express them- good or bad. 

For most, I've always appeared content and carefree because I often expressed the feelings that others expected from me or I express the emotions and feelings that are safest for me in that moment. 

And "safe" meaning that I can have my moments of weakness without them turning into ammunition later. Or "safe" meaning allowing some space and time for me to FEEL that safety and security that I need to let go and be vulnerable. 

I think we know what it means or what it feels like to not have the space for us to express ourselves. There may be fear of retaliation or even mockery, so why do we even bother?

What does that space look like? I don't know, but I hope to feel it deep in my bones one day soon!

The Army (and life) taught me that no one person is THAT concerned about another. That's a hard truth, but one I can understand because the expectations we set for others will oftentimes break our hearts. 

Let folks do what they want to do and be who they are, but please do not let the adverse actions of someone else compromise your integrity; remain true to yourself!

When the airplane's oxygen masks fall down, you need to put yours own first- such is life! 

And I think that was thee hardest lesson for me to learn in 2024, everyone isn't MY friend even though I may be theirs and I am learning how to navigate that type of hurt and betrayal every single day. 

I am still grieving.

I am still mourning the death of that love and security that I once held so dearly. 

I'm a wounded healer- taking accountability for my own actions, extending grace, and forgiving others including myself. 

So, I have to let them!

Let them be.

Let them go.

I still smile when I think of moments that we've shared.

And I know someone still thinks about me and smiles, as well!

2024 was absolutely necessary; the good times and the bad!

I fought some big battles.

I made some big changes.

I closed some big doors.

It's time to heal because there is peace on the other side! 

An amazing preacher told me on NYE that it's time to move on! 

You don't want to be paralyzed by pain, do you?

Watch how God turns your grudge around for His glory!

It's time to turn those wounds into wisdom!

Life is a gift, love, open it up!

For 2025, I want bigger blessings, adventures, and experiences for us all! 

We deserve more; joy, peace, laughter, love... just MORE of all of the things!

This is the time when we think of all of the things that we want to do with our year; the places we want to go, and the people we want to bring along.

BUT this is also the time for reflection. In the Army, we call this an AAR. (I have no idea what the acronym stands for, but stay with me!) We discuss 3 sustainments and 3 improvements of an experience or activity. 

Take a moment or two to reflect on 2024... 

What are 3 sustainments?

3 improvements?

That is how we prepare for 2025. 

We do not know what to expect, but we can have the audacity of hope and a whole lotta faith! And faith, to me, means asking, "Even if...?" 

Even if I do not get the promotion at work, I will still have a job and I will be able to maintain a level of sustainability and a sense of self.

Even if I do not hit my goal weight by my birthday, I will still enjoy my trip with friends and I'll be grateful to see another birthday!

Dwell in possibility!

"... When times get rough/ And friends can't be found/ Like a bridge over troubled water/ I will lay me down..."

Even if you spill more milk this year than last year. 

Even if you don't hit all of the squares on your Bingo boards.

Even if you're still single.

EVEN. IF!

You will be just fine because life is still worth living!

May this year bring you uncommon favor, innumerable blessings, a peace that passeth all understanding, and unspeakable joy!

This year, I pray to be of service.

I pray to bring joy and peace to my loved ones.

"So, sail on silver girl/ Sail on by/ Your time has come to shine/ All your dreams are on their way/ See how they shine!"

Listen, I am a witness that God is STILL good!

"I will ease your mind."

God bless you and thank you in advance for another amazing year of blog posts!

As always,

The pleasure is mine!