In years past, I've written about my top projects of the year. Sometimes the projects have been as big as completely remodeling rooms in my house; sometimes they've been as small as creating a simple craft. But always there have been projects.
This year has included a few projects for me, but mostly it's been a year of events.
Since my last end-of-year recap, my middle son graduated from college.
My youngest son graduated from high school.
My husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.
My husband and I became empty nesters.
My oldest son became an officer in the U.S. Navy.
2015 has been a different kind of year: fewer projects and more upheaval.
Yes, I think that's the right word. 2015 has been a year of upheaval, a year of change in our family. The changes have been good, but they seem to have taken all my energy.
As I've reflected on this past year, I realize that I've just allowed myself to be swept along by all these events, kind of waiting to see where I would wash up.
The danger with that approach, of course, is that one can simply become washed up.
Washed up is not what I want to be, and I realize that the only person who can fix that is me. It's time to plant myself firmly on shore.
So here's to a time of reflecting on all that 2015 has brought, but planning to plant my feet and make 2016 my best year yet. I'm not sure yet what that will look like, but I'm starting with this thought:
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:3).
How about you? What has 2015 brought to your life? What are your plans for 2016?
Big changes in your life for sure, Richella. I have been a stay at home mom for the past 17 years and with college on the horizon and a mom in hospice, I have felt swept along this year, too. Hoping to find my footing in 2016, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of changes for one family. But I'm sure a lot of proud mom moments. Cheers to a happy 2016.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful year, Richella! Milestones for each and every one of you is huge and, although can generate mixed feelings, I hope you find positive. You are so blessed! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteRita
What a wonderful year, Richella! Milestones for each and every one of you is huge and, although can generate mixed feelings, I hope you find positive. You are so blessed! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteRita
Great perspective on not just “going with the flow” and ending up “washed up”. I always appreciate how self-aware you are and your willingness to share it. I’ll pray for you and all of us mothers as we “plant our feet firmly on the shore”. Great post and beautiful family! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's a lot in one year. Great things can be just as tiring as bad things too. I love your attitude and forward thinking. Here's to a wonderful new year. :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best for 2016! You've had enough changes this past year to last awhile. Upheaval is the perfect word. Love your attitude!
ReplyDeleteRichella,
ReplyDeleteGoodness, those handsome sons and husband have literally swept you off your feet in 2015, dear friend!!! But what an adventure you've had!!!
Thank you for sharing your review of 2015!!!
May all your hopes for 2016 come true!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Huge changes and they are all life changing events for everyone. You sound like you are going to rebound just fine. Creating a whole new normal is hard.
ReplyDeleteWhew! What a crazy busy year you had! Our 2015 was extremely difficult and I felt compelled to write a post about the truth of it all this week as well. Usually on my blog it's all about pretty and fun but sometimes it's nice to read the behind the scenes stories from bloggers. All the best in 2016 to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYes, 2015 has been a year of upheaval. I think we all (or most anyway) start blogs because we want to share all the happy and fun stuff, and deciding to share more personal things makes us feel rather vulnerable. I do believe, though, that it's through that vulnerability that we go beyond just being "blog friends," to being "Friends" and sharing a bond. I truly believe these last five months would have been much more difficult for me had it not been for my wonderful "Friends" in blogland. I am very grateful to have you as a "Friend," Richella.
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs and wishes for a very Happy New Year!
Carol
I don't really even know. As I drove home from Greensboro yesterday after a week with 985 college students, all I could think about was that my life has been the same for years. Same. Do I want "same"? Do I have regrets for not taking wild adventures? Crazy thing is, I travel a lot. I was away from home more than 1/3 of 2015 and it was just plain exhausting. Shoot, I just got all teary as I typed that. So, I'm in a place of "same" but weary from moving. I don't know how those two co-exist but they do.
ReplyDeleteI don't really even know what to hope for in 2016.
Hm, I might have just written a blog post in your comment section....