The End Of An Era

2019 is almost over and I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that this is the end of a decade.  Does time pass more quickly as you age?  I’m only 48, but it really feels like this last year in particular there have been some big changes in our house.  Some heart breaking losses, a few struggles, but to balance it out, some incredible victories.  I try not to dwell on the sadness, instead focussing on the joy and the future.  One of our biggest changes;  my “baby” moved out of the house leaving my Hubby and I as “Empty Nesters” for 8 months of the year.  WTH?  How am I old enough to be an empty nester and who created that turn of phrase? This new stage of life is often enough to shake a couple to their core.  I’m happy to say we took it in stride, jumping into to our quieter house with open hearts and a sense of adventure.  It helped that we started that new era with a great dane puppy named Sullivan (he’s a piece of work) and an epic trip to Italy.  Clearly, both change and travel are good for the soul.

The last 10 years in real life and in blogging life have brought us some blessed moments, some good days and some not so good.  Blogging seems to amplify everything you do in the very best possible way.  We’ve had moments that have taken our breath away, a few tears and lots of laughter.  It’s been an epic rollercoaster of a ride. My girls have grown up with this blog whirling away in the background and I’m truly grateful for all the gifts it’s provided.  The blog has provided work, trips to places near and far, unique experiences, and pushed us all out of our comfort zone.  We’ve hosted local events, traveled everywhere from local beaches to places in Europe that stole our hearts.  We were lucky enough to spend some time quality time with Mickey Mouse, represent some incredible beachy brands,  and I even had the chance to walk the Red Carpet at the Grammys.  Thanks to the blog I’ve met some incredible people and now have friends from all over Canada and the United States.  Who knew when I sat down 11 years ago to rant about how hard this parenting gig could be – a little bit of truth telling could turn into a full time, life changing, career.

So when asked; “What will your resolution be for the New Year? What will you do differently in this next decade“.  My answer will be the same as last year.  “Nothing”.  Instead of a list of resolutions that will be broken before the snow melts, I will instead strive to create opportunities that make my everyday, the everyday of my family,  just a little bit sweeter.  I’m going to keep doing what I have been doing…but maybe with a little more joy.

I will continue to say YES to opportunities that bring joy to my family.  No to things that aren’t a good fit.

Yes to carving out time for myself, NO to feeling guilty about that.

No to the negative people in my life, in my space, in my way.  Yes to positive forces and friends.

Yes to making more happy days, NO to dwelling on the things that make me anything less than joyful.

Yes to saving for travel.  There are some big travel dreams on my list.

Yes to chasing dreams.

Yes to creating me time.  I will not feel guilty for that!  I may have to hide in my room with a good book.  This may be the only way I truly make time for me so it’s time to pick out some of those top books of 2020, put them by the bedside table, turn the cellphone and television off and jump into the pages of a good book.  I’m already excited.

This year I will choose joy.  This year I will strive to smile more, stress less, and be excited.  I will try new things, see new places, save for travel, and try to see the best in people.  I will save the happy, save some money and save some time for me.  I’m so excited to see what lays ahead.  Three cheers for a fabulous 2020 and an incredible decade ahead!  May it be filled with joy, adventure, health and happiness for all of  us!

Mwah.