2023
January 1, 2023… a new day, a brand-new year. I enjoyed much in 2022 but as the year wound down it seemed so did I.
Just weeks ago, I received an early morning inspiration from “big bro Slim Jim” welcoming in the month of December. “Goodness gracious,” I thought. “2023 is fast approaching and even though I have had a whole 334 days to get things done I still have much to do.” I am one of those who strives to not carry unfinished business into a new year. “Complete and release,” I say. I carefully went over my calendar to see what I had missed. There were birthdays and baby showers still to be acknowledged. A harmonica recording to be resubmitted, people in my thoughts to be contacted, letters to be mailed and library books to be returned. On top of that, my computer was down, unable to connect to the internet so I could not blog, and I still had counters, corners and closets that needed to be cleared.
A very important event on my December calendar was a luncheon with my water volleyball friends. It was our first outing together outside of the swimming pool. We had a fantastic fun time. I was happy to see and spend time with everyone but most especially seeing “my Bobbie” healthy again. Playing volleyball three times a week with this diverse group of positive friends has truly enhanced my life. A reminder to always surround myself with positive people.
Shortly after the luncheon, the flu bug hit me, putting a stop to all of my outside activities. Body aches knocked me flat on my back. My energy was low, and I moved in slow motion. I would get up periodically to stretch and to snack. (All that resting kept me hungry.) Watching YouTube on the television became my new past time. I began watching videos on the minimalism lifestyle. Of course, that caused me to notice our abundance of stuff everywhere. In between resting I would pull out excess items. I mean how many pairs of socks and winter gloves does one person really need. I joined the No Buy group in my area. Someone is requesting vinyl records. As soon as I go through our collection and pull out all of the duplicates, I will be happy to pass them on to her.
I still have a way to go, but now my studio with empty shelves and extra furniture removed makes for a more comfortable creative workspace/guest room. Our living room with the heavy coffee table moved out (for now) makes room for a safer play space for the great-grand babies and easily accommodates multiple air mattresses. I am loving the results and motivated to see this through. Only keeping those things that we use and enjoy and passing useful items on to others is satisfying. Sharing is indeed caring.
As we end 2022 and enter into 2023, I am fully recovered from the flu. Our empty nest has been full of grown grandchildren with their children visiting us for the holidays. Each grandchild is unique. They are finding their own way and have chosen different paths. Darrel and I are very proud of the adults and the parents that they each have become. Our great grand babies are precious. At this early morning hour, the little ones are asleep feeling safe and knowing that they are loved. Either through their looks, personalities or their actions the little stinkers…oops the little darlings are easy to match up to their parents. (Apples don’t fall far!) They give us much to laugh about over our morning coffee.
Darrel and I enter this new year with grateful hearts appreciating our extensive family, our friends and our communities. We value our people over our things.
From the May family to yours, we pray for God’s unlimited blessings upon you. May we all experience a 2023 full of good health and happy days.
Happy New Year y’all,
Planner Photo by Bich Tran: https://www.pexels.com/photo/inspirational-quotes-on-a-planner-636243/
