Cheers to a new chapter.

This was the first time in twenty one years we were without our children (who are now 19 & 21) to celebrate Thanksgiving. Many parents, I believe, dread this chapter. Although I missed them, I’m happy they chose what they wanted to do this holiday. I’m grateful they can make the choice and live guilt free knowing that we celebrate their individuality and believe in their independent spirits. I hope, someday, they will choose to spend time with us, but for now they are young and carefree just like they should be. As for my husband and I, we had a lovely, peaceful, drama-free day. We had grateful hearts and enjoyed our time together. I couldn’t have asked for more. Our children had a great time with their choices. Everyone was happy. I LOVE that our children don’t feel obligated and that they feel free to live their own lives. I can’t think of a better gift to give them than that.

I LOVE SUMMER! Not because of the weather but because I have time. I have time to be me. To get things around the house and yard accomplished. Time to see friends. Time to have amazing dates with my husband. Time to play. Time to sit. Time to think. I am blessed with seven glorious weeks of no work stress. I don’t get paid, mind you. It is worth it. So grateful for this precious time. So, remember, whenever you get some precious time, use it. See friends, go on a date, play, sit, think, and watch the sunrise and sunset. Breathe. Time is so precious.

I understand why people don’t like change. It often means jumping through hoops. They are a part of life….never ending hoops. That’s what I’m doing right now…..getting everything lined up, filling out forms, requesting information…..all so I can change up my work life. It’ll be worth it, but the lining up of requirements, can at times, be daunting. I will persevere. I must have everything lined up so I can move forward. So, no matter what you’re planning, be ready for the hoops. Be ready to line up the “ducks” so you can move forward. Remember, it’s all worth it in the end.

A couple days ago I resigned from the job I’ve had for ten years. It was a very difficult decision as I have enjoyed my job, for the most part, the whole time I was there. I’ve made lifelong friends, worked with some of the best educators ever, and my students…..oh, my students, how I love them. Yet, this last year I could feel something in me building and I could tell it was time to move on.

I prayed and trusted and waited. Then something amazing happened, change. A new path. I have a new job lined up that I’m excited about. I’m hopeful that my expertise and positive energy can make a difference in a new place, a new school, a new district. Although it is hard to shut the door on one chapter, I’m also excited to start a new chapter. Please find the courage to jump! Life is meant to be lived and change helps you grow.

Life is a beautiful complex gift. At the end of that gift, comes death. You can’t really have one without the other. Every living thing will die. It’s simply a matter of time. What will you do with the life you have left? How can you make it worthwhile? Think about it and then go do it!

Finding balance and hopefulness in this torn world of ours can be challenging, no doubt about it. However, no matter how narrow the path, there is beauty to be found. I often need to remind myself by taking daily walks and looking around thoughtfully. I’m able to see nature’s beauty in flowers, insects, small animals and even in the weeds. I’m able to see human beauty in the kindness of neighbors. I’m able to see life’s beauty when I look up and see a wonderful blue sky, the amazing ever changing ocean, or even the wind in the trees. I marvel at the murder upon murder of crows that fly overhead to gather together at night. So…although life remains challenging, I like to remember all the beauty that surrounds me. It always gives me hope and refills my tired soul. Please take the time to walk around your neighborhood and marvel at the beauty that surrounds you. May it bring some solace to your soul as it does mine.

May 2022 bring love and peace. Hopefulness and wonder. Joy and friendships. May your heart believe in the amazing adventure ahead.

Reflection

Thinking about this year, and reflecting back, I am overwhelmed with so many different emotions. This year has brought about so many changes professionally and personally. Covid has changed life and how we live it in so many ways.

With so many feelings swirling around, I’m unsure of which one to focus on. All I know is that I don’t like the changes but I’ll adapt. I’ve been adapting.

I will focus on gratefulness – I’m grateful for a husband that grows with me and is steadfast. I’m grateful that my children are independent and healthy. I’m grateful that I have a job no matter how difficult it is. I’m grateful for my family and friends near and far. I’m grateful that my body works and heals. I’m grateful that I feel deeply. I’m grateful for this difficult and challenging life.

I am hopeful that 2022 brings positive changes. I am hopeful the pandemic will end. I am hopeful that our world will heal. I remain, and always will be, hopeful.

Bridges…..a way to get over an obstacle or a way to get two sides to meet.

Sometimes it’s powerful to sit quietly and contemplate about all the bridges you’ve managed to build or go over. I know personally, I’ve built bridges to move forward in life and bridges to escape toxic situations and people. I’ve used bridges to build relationships and bridges to reach lost souls. I’ve built bridges to connect with students and bridges to help students connect with peers. I’ve used bridges to run away from my past and bridges to run to my future. Remember, bridges can be small, big, long lasting or even temporary. Bridges are an important part of life.

I call them the “Bridges of Life.” What bridges have you built?

Hard to believe the photos depict the same flower. It reminds me of people. In my opinion, I find that open people look beautiful, free, happy whereas closed people often appear tired, lonely, scared. Which are you? Are you open to life? Are you available to have fun, play, connect? Are you open to real conversations and feelings?

OR

Are you closed to life? Unwilling or unable to have fun, play, connect? Are you scared of real conversations and deep feelings? Do you want to stay closed off to others and the world and be protective of your heart?

There are times in life where all of us have been open and times where we have been closed. Some of us, however, are definitely skewed one way or the other. I choose openness. I choose connection. I choose relationships. I choose fun, life, risk, and love. No matter how deep my past hurts, it can never force me to close up. I want to shine. What do you want?

Don’t forget to take the time to look around. There is beauty everywhere!

My uncle Sid passed away today. He was a character. He was always telling stories and had an opinion about everything. When I think of him I always think about how once, when I was 18, he made me feel better when I had my heart broke. One of my very first blog posts was about my uncle Sid. Here it is again, in his honor:

Life is Messy

December 5, 2020 by Reena Bobeena (Edit)

Life is messy. Life is complicated. Life is complex. Still, I have hope.

Many years ago, when I was 18 and spending a month in southern California with my grandmother, my boyfriend at the time, dumped me for a “good” friend of mine. I was hurt and a bit broken. One morning I awoke to a coffee cup, bedside, and it read “Hopefully Romantic.” My sweet uncle, knowing my heart was hurt, took the time to remind me that I’m not a “Hopeless Romantic” but rather a “Hopeful” one.

Life is messy. Life is complicated. Life is complex. I like to believe I live a Hopeful life.