Let Your Heart Hold Fast

Let Your Heart Hold Fast

Letting Go

Amidst all the chaos in my life right now, I was pleasantly surprised by how well Christmas turned out. Knowing this was our last Christmas in this house, and all together, I wanted it to be special and end on a positive note. However, given our circumstances, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. So, when I spent most of Christmas morning with just the girls I felt incredibly grateful. It was not only enjoyable but also offered a glimpse into what next year might look like with just the three of us, not only on Christmas morning but throughout the year. I know there will come a time when they’ll meet someone and start families of their own, but until then, I’m going to savor every moment we have together.

Having our last Christmas as just us felt like a true gift. When my oldest daughter graduated nearly four years ago, I secretly hoped she wouldn’t find a significant other until after my youngest graduated four years later. I wanted her to date and enjoy herself, of course, but I also wanted our last few years together as a family to be uninterrupted. In a way, my prayer was answered, and I was in awe of how things can turn out even better than expected.

The rest of the holiday week went smoothly, and while I looked forward to the New Year, I found it difficult to take down the Christmas tree. I couldn’t bring myself to remove even the first ornament. Instead, I took photos, recorded videos, and sat in front of the tree, soaking it all in, knowing this would be the last time it stood in our home. It’s been a beacon of light during the holiday season for nearly 20 years, and we’ve cherished it. I realized I would never truly feel ready to move on, so I had to take that first step regardless of how I felt.

I finally took off the first ornament, then the second, and as I dismantled the tree and packed away the decorations, I began to feel lighter. By the time I finished, I found myself looking forward to what comes next.

For Christmas, my oldest daughter gifted me a lovely calendar adorned with small, painted pictures she had hand painted herself representing each month. As I put the past year away and flipped through the pages of the upcoming year, I felt a mix of uncertainty and anticipation. I have no idea what 2024 will bring—there will be many changes, and I’m not sure if I’m ready. Yet, I know that these changes are necessary for my life to unfold as it should, allowing me to find happiness, love, support, and purpose.

So, as I turned back to January and began filling in the calendar, I took a deep breath and thought, “Here’s to 2024… here’s to new beginnings… and here's to Letting Your Heart Hold Fast...


"This too shall pass…”






 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Twilight

Image
Twilight As I approach the end of this year, I’m increasingly aware that it marks not just the conclusion of the holiday season, but a significant transition in my own life. As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve finally found myself in a new place, ready to start a new chapter. It’s both exciting and daunting. I’m eagerly looking forward to launching Daylight Coaching and can’t wait to see where this journey leads me. Yet, stepping into the unknown is never easy. One thing that has helped me navigate this transition is taking time to count my blessings this holiday season. First and foremost are my girls, for whom I am profoundly grateful. Although I miss my little ones, it’s been a joy to witness who they are becoming and to see our relationship evolve in a new way. Many of you can relate: watching your children grow and leave the nest is challenging, but as I get used to it, I’m pleasantly surprised by how rewarding this new dynamic can be. I’m also thankful for my family and the clos...
Read more

Daylight

Image
Daylight To begin with, I wanted to explain why I chose to create this blog...  The journey began during the pandemic, a time that granted me plenty of opportunity for reflection. I realized that my daughters were growing up quickly and would soon be leaving home. My oldest was set to graduate in 2020, while my youngest was preparing to enter high school. This realization sparked a wave of fear about what life would look like once they were gone. One day, as I was pondering the future, an unexpected thought came out of nowhere and I heard the words, "S tart a blog" . This notion was surprising, as I had little experience with blogging, not to mention, I could barely manage a Facebook post and had always felt intimidated by social media. The idea of starting a blog had never crossed my mind. However, since I had learned to trust that voice inside, I took the plunge and began researching how to create one. The very next day, a close friend shared an article from Introvert Dear...
Read more

Let It Go

Image
Let It Go Leaving a place that has been my home for over 25 years feels surreal. It’s more than just ending a marriage; it’s about saying goodbye to a home filled with cherished memories and familiar comforts. I always understood that this transition would be challenging, especially as the girls grow up and begin their own journeys. Yet, I never anticipated it would be this profound. I envisioned us staying connected, with the girls returning to a place that felt like home. Now, as I prepare to leave, I find myself grappling with a bittersweet reality. My youngest is off to college soon, and I yearn for a space where they can always feel at home. But I can’t help but wonder—will it ever truly feel that way for them again? Or for me? I'm coming to terms with the fact that our new situation is something everyone will soon be aware of. Honestly, I don’t mind if people know—divorce happens, life changes, and this is definitely for the best. Still, I recognize that it’s awkward, sad, an...
Read more