Thank you.
This year has been full of life, challenges, and opportunities to grow. Although I am happy to see it go, it has taught me a lot.
I experienced significant loss and intense growth. Just this week I learned of a lifelong friend who died. We knew each other for fifty years. She was my first best friend. I have been grieving loss, celebrating this incredible human, and delving into pieces of me that only she knew. It has been an emotional ride. The world is sadder without her and I am better for knowing her.
One of the biggest opportunities is standing up against my abuser. Finally using my voice for me feels healing and satisfying. Sorry, not sorry!
This year I wrote about some painful experiences and shared them with you hoping that in some small way my pain has purpose and value. I am not writing to hurt or shame anyone. These are my experiences and my truths. Only recently I feel safe enough sharing these with you and sharing my voice.
Safety has been something I have tried to find in people in situations. Now, I am learning that by caring well for myself, I create that safety I need. Once I learn to love myself everything else will come to me. My first love needs to me.
“When life is sweet say thank you and celebrate.
When life is sweet, say thank you and grow.”
Shauna Niequist
In the past I felt confident standing up for others. Life hands you lessons until you learn them. I see what I was not doing. I was not speaking up for me. I was using my energy in the wrong way. Finally, I am standing up for myself. Sometimes this can feel lonely, but it can also be very empowering.
In the next year, hopefully you will see me grow as a writer and share some more experiences so you too can feel empowered to use your voice. I feel grateful for the lessons and the blessings because I learn from them both. May 2023 deliver blessings for us all. I look forward to sharing the many lessons I have learned with the focus on gratitude for it all.
Thank you for being on this journey with me.
May 2023 be fulfilling for each one of you. May this coming year greet you with good health, joy, laughter and love. And may you prosper in all things good, right and just!
Happy 2023 to each of you.
Chellie, dear,
Thanks for all you do to expand your heart and help writers.
Happy New Year!
Warm Wishes,
Patricia
This is lovely, Chellie. I feel your heart throughout. A line that drew me strongly in was this: "The world is sadder without her and I am better for knowing her." Gratitude and grief, two sides to every coin. With love, Sara