Blessed to see another birthday

Blessed to see another birthday 

Sitting here at the beach, I can't help but think about my life as another birthday is approaching. I can't help but to reflect on the last years of my life...

There were so many changes....again... 

some good...some definitely not so good.

I've come to realize not everyone you thought would be there for you, will... and to give thanks for the ones who would be..

I've learned that not everyone has your heart and you must be okay with that.

I learned that if you have faith anything can happen. So many things that I thought I could never do, like walking away from fear and my abusive marriage after 24 years. Doing a triathlon at 49 for the first time and placing 3 in my age group. I made a bucket list and have done a marathon. I've jumped out of a plane, I've walked on fire and fulfilled my dream of traveling to Europe.

I prayed about a rental I could afford and God blessed me with a home of my own, 40k less than anything on the market.

I wrote and published not one but two books, I've spoken at many women's events about domestic violence and am blessed to write this blog 5 days a week for the last 8 years. 

I've learned to pray even though the storms and that I have to depend on myself and on God. I've learned that everything that happens isn't to me but for me. I've learned to look for a lesson in every up and down and learn from it. I've learned that my girls are my biggest supporters and that maybe I am doing something right because they are such beautiful souls.

I've learned that just when you thought this was your season, life will throw you some stuff that will knock you to your knees, so many things at once, that you ask why me? That even when you thought the pain and betrayal many "friends" had you out for the count, that I could pray my way through the storm and find peace like I have never known.

I've learned that the world can change in a second, that you can lose your job, people that you love and see so much hatred in so many people but I also learned that, that time could be a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it. I chose to always look for the good. I got to spend quality time with my girls, I got to slow down, I got to reflect on what was truly important, our health, my family and my friends and to never take anything for granted again. I saw people come together, all colors, all religions to fight against what is wrong with our country. I saw the good in people while it felt like sometimes there weren't any.

I learned to praise God, even when I didn't understand what was going on. I learned gratitude for the blessings I do have and hold on to the fact that these are all lessons I needed to learn to grow. I learned to listen for the signs and know that all things work for my good and have been called according to his purpose. My favorite Bible verse Romans 8.28.

I learned that sometimes a person comes into your life at the wrong time to teach you lessons of self worth and will change everything you believed in yourself, for the better. I've learned that age doesn't matter when your souls connect and even though he may not be your forever love, he will always hold that place in your heart.

This year has taught me to know my own strength and his...

So I will go into next year smarter, wiser, with more faith, more love and with an open heart no matter how many times I may have been hurt.

And yes, I will always be Tinkerbell and I will always believe anything is possible if you believe....

Here's to another year of lessons and my gratitude for allowing him to let me celebrate another one…

And yes, I will continue to "Be the change I want to see"

@Treadmilltreats