Happy New Year!!!
There was NO confetti or any kind of fireworks around here last evening. It was a quiet evening while we watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
Well, today is January 1, 2026....A new day, a new year and some people might say a new beginning.
Personally, I don't feel the need to sprint into this new year. I don't want to burst through the door shouting resolutions or hauling around unrealistic expectations. Instead, I'm opening the door slowly, barefoot at that, and just saying, Hello, 2026....lets take this one step at a time."
I mean, I'm 72 years young, so I don't really think that NEW resolutions will make any significant changes for me. But...I can at least try!!
What I am doing is bringing the BEST of last year with me....All the laughter that surprised me, the friendships that held me steady, the quiet mornings that healed parts of my soul, and YES...even the hard days that taught me strength that I didn't know I had.
Of course, some things are staying behind. Worry that never helped. Guilt that lingered way too long, the pressure to be everything to everyone....All these things served some kind of purpose at the time (or maybe they didn't) but either way, they don't need to come along.
I've decided to give myself PERMISSION! Permission to go slowly and permission to rest without any explanation. I also think I'll give myself permission to change my mind if I want to. LOL
I suppose that if I were setting some goals for the year 2026, a few of them would be to...
#1. Celebrate progress, not perfection
#2. Listen more than I rush
#3. Notice more about the beauty that is tucked into everyday moments.
Today, I am choosing HOPE! Not the flashy kind, but the steady kind. HOPE that stays even when circumstances seem to wobble. A HOPE that reminds me that every sunrise is proof that God isn't finished yet.
I pray that this year (2026) will be filled with moments when I feel the breath of God breathing upon me.
May peace show up in those unexpected places and may healing continue it's quiet work. May gratitude change how we see ordinary days, and May love feel familiar and safe.
One day in.
One step forward.
One more chance to live this life with intention and heart.
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fails. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Happy New Year!!
Shug...💛
Loved your words on here today, Shug. And they are my sentiments exactly - don't make resolutions and don't have a special word. Just being the best me I can, and that's all anyone can ask for. I like that you are leaving some things behind. Things that don't need to be with us if we are to live a peaceful life. Your number 2 is wonderful... Listen. It's a good reminder to us all. May your light AND love keep shining in the new year, Shug. It truly is special to see.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Good morning Sheri.. Happy New Years!! I've got some big steps to fill in accomplishing these few things..mostly to listen more than I rush...LOL. I'm going to be sending you the story about Bigfoot via email. May be tomorrow before I get a chance to send it. Made me have chills. lol.
DeleteGood Morning Barbara. Thank you for your words this morning. Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year of 2026. We are all so very Blessed and I am looking forward to the many Blessings that are to come.
ReplyDeleteAround here, the neighborhood put on quite a display of fireworks starting at 8 and lasting into about 1-1:30 am. Thank you for your lovely blog, wishing you a lovely Happy New Year.
ReplyDeletethis sounds the perfect way to go and I wish you all the best of these things that you listed will come and keep you your happy self and comfort you and lead you and Gods blessing daily to carry you through..
ReplyDeleteI thought what you wrote was so beautiful and heartwarming. I think I know where you are at. I totally agree with you about it all. Sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
A beautiful post and way to start the new year. I’m praying for you and Sam, especially about tomorrow’s immunotherapy session tomorrow. ❤️
ReplyDeleteCheerful Monk
DeleteA lovely start to the year. I like the way you think
ReplyDeleteShug, I am right there with you! I couldn't have said it any better.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! One day at a time...we still go from day to day here...I think that is how we survive:)
ReplyDeleteYour Words Shug, are like a gentle babbling brook over my soul. Thank you for your resolves. I think they are going to be mine too.
ReplyDeleteMy words for this year are Being Contented.
Its a lesson I am learning every day.
I want to see the Lord in the everyday things of life too.
Right now I am watching the little "Flitter birds" bouncing around on the bushes right outside my "Office" window. They are loving the break in the rain and scouting out the bugs and etc. that have come out too.
Enjoy your days of Rest and my prayers are continuing for Sam and you.
(((hugs)))
Sue
Inspiring words, Shug!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post; thank you.
ReplyDeleteLet us live through 2026 and beyond in the sure knowledge that God is by our side.
God bless you and your family, Shug.
Giving oneself PERMISSION is priceless. Even at 75 years young, I sometimes catch myself feeling like I'm being selfish. Easy does it, m'dear. "Walk on, walk on, with Hope in your heart and you'll never walk alone!"
ReplyDeleteHi Shug! Thanks for your words about the Minions. The classes are over now and that teacher no longer teaches but I'm in other classes PLUS, I bought the last classes for life and always go back to them for a refresh. Really, really good stuff.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read that you're giving yourself permission to rest. It's a wonderful thing to do. There are times when I sit outside and read with a cuppa and think, this is a wonderful thing to sit and rest.
I love it.
Here's to taking the good, learning from things and opening doors quietly or, blasting them open. Whatever works!
Happy 2026! Cheers and boogie boogie, Ivy.
Lovely post. I wish you a wonderful and wonder filled 2026
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Shug.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are echoed in photowannabe's reply and I have printed your words to keep them close for reference. May the Lord bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYou found just the right words for me. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteHappy and Blessed New Year, my dear friend! You bring brightness to this blog world!
ReplyDeletePrayers for the infusions this day. Prayers that they will help him and there will be no repercussions from the procedure. Prayers for you to as you work your way through these new chapters in your lives.
ReplyDeleteLove you and I know you are in God's hands.
Sue
Happiest new year wishes to you!!
ReplyDeleteYou have the most upbeat and positive attitude about living life to its fullest, Shug, and I love it! I'm back up here and "running" now that our family left for their home today, and will have a post on Tuesday. Praying for Sam and for you - that doesn't stop! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteA very inspiring post Shug. Wising you blessings, health, and happiness in the coming year. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteI love this post Shug, and am saving it to my favorites.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and Sam. Continuing to pray for his total recovery and restored health.