Dear Jane… A Letter to Myself
Dear Jane,
Happy New Year! You had an eventful 2022. It’s been exciting to look back through the days and months and remember everything that happened. Sometimes you think you aren’t doing enough in your life, but believe me, you are. In 2022 you had big plans to do a lot for yourself. You were tired of waiting and putting things on the back burner, so you started a book club and signed up for life coaching and took a photography class, all before February came to a close. You were nervous to start the book club because you had to invite people to join and you had to be vulnerable; but the group of ladies in the club have become great friends and it was worth the few moments of uncertainty while putting it all together. Speaking of being vulnerable, taking the leap to start working with a life coach was a big step as well. I am proud of you for setting aside the time and the money to invest in yourself. It proved to be life changing. Photography class was fun, and it taught you how to take hundreds of good quality photos of the baby deer growing up in the backyard. There’s nothing like watching nature in all its glory to remind you of the magic that is life on this beautiful planet. There were typical highs and lows like each and every year, but this year one of your kids needed you more than ever. Things came to a screeching halt for him early in the year, and you jumped into action to do anything you could to make things better. You know those reports on television when a mom lifts up the car because her child is trapped underneath, and they normally wouldn’t have the strength to do it, but something superhuman kicks in? That’s what you did; you had to lean on your family, you talked to your friends, you researched, you worried, and eventually figured out what needed to be done. You and your son laughed together, cried together, learned from each other, and built a beautiful relationship in the process. Despite the challenges early on, you were able to celebrate some exciting moments with your husband and kids like junior prom, college visits and acceptances, job promotions, a family wedding, and of course the triathlon! You also found the time and energy to start a blog. I know it hasn’t been easy putting yourself out there, but keep going. You have learned so much about yourself and you’re showing your kids you’re not afraid to try something new. The end of the year proved to be the most challenging time for you because of those health issues that came out of nowhere. Despite a few months of feeling yucky, you took a page out of your mom’s book and stayed positive. Try to put that behind you and move on towards getting back to normal. Remember what you felt like last January. You wanted to put yourself first, and you did. Life threw a lot at you in 2022, like it does everyone, but you’re still here and better for it. My hope for you this year is that you face 2023 head on, ready to tackle anything that comes your way without sacrificing what you want for yourself. But I know you all too well, and I know you can’t start the year off without making some resolutions like reading more books, cooking more elaborate recipes and getting into better shape. If you do some or all of these things, that’s great! But at the end of 2023 when you look back, I promise you, those won’t be the highlights.
