I popped over to my pal Cindy’s blog http://rick-rackandgingham.blogspot.com/ and saw her last post for 2010. I remember my word for 2010 was “DO”. And I am happy to say that I did “do” more than I thought I could, I challenged myself artistically and was pleased and surprised with the outcomes.
My life has had incredible changes as you all know in 2010, and most of them are decisions I would have chosen not to make, but had no choice in the end. I have learned that I need to be able to take care of myself better! Emotionally, physically, and most of all spiritually. My soul is really been crying out and I wasn’t listening!
So….this is my One word for 2011…..
“FORWARD”
No matter how difficult and hurtful and unrelenting this year will be I must move forward to find…..me! My dear friend calls it my “authentic self”. I told her I feel like the doors have all been shut and I cannot find a window to climb out of or any doorknob to turn to leave this space. Not yet,anyhow. But I do have faith that it is here… for the first time ever, I am not questioning why God has put me here, there is a reason to have to go forward without my partner of 31 years, or finances ( how incredibly hard this is to write down) …..It just hasn’t been revealed yet….so I am going to move forward in every way I can, not to look back too often and cause more pain, but to look forward and see if I can be…my authentic self. I will never be homeless, or hungry or unloved, (Thank you Bryan and Chris for your never ending love and support!) As to the rest of you wonderful people in my life, you know who you are and how appreciated and loved you are! All of the material items in my life may very well go away, and that will be hard! But I guess if they are meant to be gone, then that will be the outcome, and I deal with that then, the prospects have to be positive, the fear that resides in me right now is overwhelming!!!! This fear has to be banished somehow, and replaced with strength and a knowledge that I am going to not only survive this but be renewed! And so I go FORWAD, and I have people that have told me this process can happen one day, one hour, sometimes just one minute at a time…OK….here I am God, let’s do this! :):)
May all of you have a fruitful 2011, whatever way it needs to happen!
(photo courtesy of Cozy Home Chronicles)
I once more want to thank you all for your words, prayers and thoughts. They have keep me lifted up more than you will ever know!
27 comments:
I love your word..I am going to post our words on my sidebar..so we can encourage each other!!
Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
Dear Sandy,
I *love* your choice of FORWARD. :-) I suspect you have an army of friends 'out here' to help you through. Wishing you joy, peace and much, much love in the New Year. xo -amy
Sandy, Forward is a beautiful word for all of us to think about. I wish you love and comfort in 2011.
Annette
Sandy, what a wonderful focus for your new year and your new life! This year (2010) began particularly hard for me, I guess you could say it was the 'grand finale' of the last 3 plus years while I was caring for my dad before he passed, bound in depression when I was at home, and trying to be strong for my parents when I was with them. It was the hardest time of my life! And when my nephew pulled the rug from under my feet by calling at 5am to tell me that he was going home to kill himself, well, I really lost it, and have had to creep forward one tiny step at a time. Now things are better. Not perfect, but better, and I know that things will get better for you, too - one tiny step at a time! Sometimes that is all we can ask for! One verse that has brought me through several trying times is 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18 "Rejoice evermore, Pray without ceasing, In EVERYTHING give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you". When I found out I had cancer 7 years ago, I found I needed to give thanks for it - and oh, how hard that was, but I did give thanks, and I think it made me stronger. You may not be able to give thanks for this situation today, or even next month, but at some point you will probably find yourself thanking God for bringing you through, and allowing you to grow and change during this time. May you have a wonderful 2011, moving forward a little each day. Becky G. in GA
Oh Sandy Sweetie...
You know I am praying for you sweet one. And remember it doesn't even have to be a door or a window, sometimes it is only a little crack for some air. Just breath it in sweet one.
Material things are just that, and yes they are replaceable, a heart is NOT. So you must move FORWARD and take care of your heart. You haven't lost sweet one, you have gained, COURAGE to move FORWARD, LOVE to move FORWARD, and FRIENDS to carry you FORWARD. I will always be right here holding your hand. I am only a phone call away. You know I am a little duchy, but at least you can hear me, and I have a shoulder BIG enough to hold you up when you need it.
Thank you my precious friend for the GEM that you are. You are a treasure and DON'T ever forget it. You have learned and grown in these 31 years, to prepare yourself for what is yet to COME. I know the BEST is yet to come.
Many, many hugs sweetie, and Happy New Year. We will get together soon. I so enjoy visiting with you and Meri. It has been a hard year for me, but I am slowly getting back out in the world.
I love you sweetie. Many hugs and much love, Sherry
Great word, Sandy!!!
The New Year will bring many changes for you.
And probably, all of us.
I have the same card on my blog. I bought it at HQ last month :)
Happy New Year, Sandy!!!
Warmly,
deb :)
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...this was a beautiful heart felt and honest post...and I can believe it was difficult, if not heart wrenching to write..I don't understand either Sandy..why God allows one marriage to dissolve and keeps another one going...I don't understand but I have to rest in His knowing what is best...You see, I'm sorrowful that your's is broken, that you no longer have your partner after SOOOOOOOOO many years..but I fight not to question why I am still where I am..it's been a difficult marriage,much pain, heartache and sorrow. At times I envy those that have been 'released', which is wrong because there is much heart ache in any broken marriage...but that is my struggle I deal with it...
For 2011 not only am I starting to move into my 'authentic self'..(which I see has been happening this past month) but I'm moving into a faith that is: seeing the invisible, believing the impossible, and receiving the incredible...
I will be praying for you on this journey precious one...I KNOW without a doubt that God IS going to do more than you could ever ask or imagine or pray for...I can believe for others,,but struggle at times believing for myself..reason why 2011 I'm going to walk in that kind of faith for me..and my authentic self...((hugs)) Blessings dear one.
God does not bring us TO difficult situations in life, but he does promise to bring us THROUGH them. Where would any of us be without his grace and the love and support of friends? You do have a quiet, loving army of supporters behind you Sandy...cheering you on your path. FORWARD is a great word for 2011. I am still thinking of mine...MANAGE was my word for 2010 and that didn't work so well for me, but I'm not giving up either. Sending you big hugs as we end this year and start anew.
XOXO
Joyce
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”
You have the KEY word. ;-)
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♥•.*.*.*.Cherry*.*.*.•♥
♥•.*.*.*.Chick.*.*.*.•♥
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Sandy, you darn well know that you can DO what ever you set your mind to.
Material possession are nice, but not essential.
Just give me clean undies, tooth brush and a coffee cup.
FORWARD will be the password for many of us that will join you in this attitude.
Thanks for blogging so that I've been able to meet and enjoy your thoughts and DECALS ! ! ! !
Happy Hugs,
Gerry
Hey Girlfriend,
Great post, now I'll be here to make damn sure you use your word missy! Far too often we all tend to wallow in the past, it's easy, we've been there and going over and over it gives us the opportunity to rethink situations. We give ourselves the permission to reconfigure the past in so many ways, well we need to give ourselves permission to move forward and create a new future. Give yourself the permission to slow down, think through all the scenarios and come up with the best move before actually making it. You can't just exist anymore, your challenge is here and you've got an army behind you. Tell us what you need and let us do the best we can to help you. Raise your hopes and lower your expectations....LOL! I'll be trailing behind you, as always..........(insert snort)! See ya soon.
Love ya'
Meri
Hi Sandy,
Tonight starts a new year and a new start. Lets meet here again next new years eve and I am sure the pain you feel right now will have lifted and you will be able to celebrate your new life. Just keep looking foward. You will trip if you keep looking backward. We should have a new years eve party next year right here, what do you think?
Hugs and love,
Carey
Happy New Year Dear girlfriend~ Cheers to a Very Happy 2011 Hugs, Diane
Hi Sandy - I pray that this year will prove to be more than you ever imagined... in a good way... because you have faith and friends alongside you on the journey "forward". I also believe that authenticity builds relationships and trust among those who matter most. I hope you will share your journey with us, as you feel comfortable. We can all learn together. Blessings to you - you are not alone.
I've been in your shoes girl...been there, done that and survived it...and you will too!! 2011 is going to be amazing for you! Sell those amazing CD's with your vintage images, teach classes...I'd pay for a class you taught...you are amazing! Happy New Year
Christine @ This & That Creations
Happy New Year Sandy! Thanks for sharing your world with us! We all have bumps in the road of life...know that sharing yours with us is not in vain...we'll all be here to support you!
Keep on blogging, it's good for the soul. And yours is so happy, one of my favorites to visit!
Looking FORWARD to 2011,
Mandi
That's a fantastic choice for 2011 Sandy.
Right now it must seem like such a scary time and even a scary word. You're so right darlin'. We don't know why these things happen when they do but I know in the deepest recesses of my heart that good things are on their way to you.
I had to go through a period like your going through now about 10 years ago. Terrified I was, oh yes, absolutely terrified but once I stepped out I felt relief. I got busy just working on fixing up my new place. I started enjoying my time all to myself. The fear was replaced with confidence and I thought never again will I be scared of anything. I felt free and strong even with so little.
I have to admit that it's much easier to tell someone how better they will feel then to go though it. And to be honest that fearlessness has worn off and I'm terrified again of life and losing what really shouldn't be important at all. But when it comes down to it, I know we have it inside of us to survive. I'll always be here if you need a cheering section and happy to do it, if only you'll ask. But more importantly I know God is cheering you on, supporting you when you don't even realize it.
I didn't want to go to bed before wishing you a Wonderful, Wonderful New Year. I think we will both be pleasantly surprised and grateful for what 2011 has laid out before us.
Love you sweet friend....Hugs...Tracy :)
'Forward'. We have no choice. The alternatives are far too scary to think about! I have been where you are. I understand what you are going thru. You will get there. Lean on your friends and family when you can and go out there and find yourself. The journey is weel worth the effort!
Hope
You've got a great attitude Sandy, and lots of people behind you, cheering you on! I just know that exactly one year from today, you'll be able to look back on 2011 as The Year Of SANDY! Wishing you all good things this year, because you deserve it!
xo,
Carol
I love your word for the year, and I know that you'll get past the painful stuff and be stronger on the other end. Happy New Year to you Sandy!
Bless you dear one for such a great outlook! We will be here for you girlfriend! Here's to moving forward. Wishing you all the best!
Debbie xo
Sandy, what a courageous and heartfelt post! I know you will face many trials in the New Year but I know there will also be many moments of JOY as well. FORward, FOR Sandy, yes, I think this is a perfect word for you, this New Year. With hugs and blessings for a Happy New Year, Nan
Hugs and best wishes for a happy new year!!
I am so sorry you are going through all of this heartache, however difficult, you will get through it. Let yourself grieve for the loss of your marriage, but don't let it defeat you. I agree with the other ladies, you are so talented, you should teach or sell your image cd's. I know alot of us out here would purchase them :) And if i were closer, i'd love to take a class from you! Take care!
Dear Sandy,
It's hard to believe so much negative stuff happened to you in one year. You have carried the burden and now you are moving on forward as you say. This is wonderful and I imagine you'll have bad days but keep up the good and positive thoughts and keep on keeping on girl friend things will get better I just have a feeling they will. Love Nan
Hi Sandy, I love your word for 2011, it goes perfectly with mine which is WAY. I've been doing this for years now--meditating with God about a word for the new year at the end of each year.
I am praying for you and keep in mind that as you go FORWARD, Christ is the WAY--the One and only WAY. In Him are all your answers and all that you could possibly need as you travel this difficult season of your journey. You are not alone. Much love to you my friend.
Sandy, I've been using that word 'authentic self' since I read it here the other day..I even wrote it in my journal..It keeps popping up in my mind throughout the day....'authentic self'...I just wanted to let you know it really touched my heart and I'm glad you shared...it blessed me greatly right now during this time in my life...
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