Reflect & Resolve

A new year is just around the corner, so get your traditional black-eyed peas ready for good luck. Black-eyed Peas & Cabbage:

"Some say the black-eyed pea's lucky streak dates back to the pharaohs. Others say it started during the Civil War in Vicksburg, Virginia. The town ran out of food while under siege and the inhabitants were lucky enough to discover cow peas (a.k.a., black-eyed peas). Meanwhile, cabbage leaves are thought to bring prosperity to those who eat them on New Year's Day." https://www.heb.com/static-page/article-template/New-Years-Traditions

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas has passed, and we have a moment to inhale and exhale, it's important to reflect on the year gone by. You might ask yourself questions like,

"What are some of the most memorable moments of joy I've had this year?"

And on the other end of the spectrum of life,

"What was the most difficult challenge I faced this year and what lesson was in it for me?"

As a Nursing Instructor, I found the first day of clinical (taking students to an actual healthcare setting to practice,) to be very stressful for them. They were intimidated by their new environment and situation, having little or no confidence in their own abilities. In post-conference, we had our time to reflect on that day. I would ask each of them to describe their day in just one word and then tell us why they chose that word. I would like to ask this of you..."In just one word, describe what the year 2023 has been like for you, and tell us why."

I'm not much on making new year's resolutions. I know, I know...having plans and goals are important, but resolve literally means "firmly deciding on a course of action," according to the Oxford language dictionary. I'm much more of a day to day basis of situation and mood. Those are my deciding factors, and whether I'm firm about it or not...well that may fluctuate, too. And I'm okay with that, as well.

What about you? What are your feelings/thoughts on resolutions to kick off the new year? Are you a believer? "If you are, please share one of your resolutions with us."

"Does your family celebrate the New Years with any traditions?" Do you party the night before? Do you dance the night away? Do you wear silly hats and blow the streamers? Are fireworks involved?

As I reflect on 2023, I think it brought about much of my inner strength. I said farewell to a twenty year marriage and found peace in being alone. I also said goodbye to my oldest and dearest friend, Baby Gee. My beautiful black cat who graced me with love and comfort for eighteen years died in my arms. That was hard, but I cherish those years with him. (He's the one on the left in the picture.) It's also been very difficult for me to see the lives of my adult children in transitions such as losing jobs, having a scare about possible breast cancer, being in toxic relationships, and being strangled by addictions. (My faith keeps me calm and hopeful.) Finances are a budgeting act for all Americans as we are facing a downward spiral in our economy. I'm a senior citizen on a fixed income, so it's taught me to look for bargains and become more frugal. I've survived so far!

There were moments this past year that go in the photo album of my heart. Not all has been gloomy. My niece plays softball for Dartmouth and her team came to Mississippi to play in a tournament at Mississippi State University. That school is in Starkville, MS., which is about 6 hours from where I live and close to where my daughters and their families live, so you guessed it! Family reunion!

Also, I had two grandsons graduating from high school and going to college. One of my granddaughters has been academically bumped up a year and will graduate from high school this coming May!

The one word I have for 2023 is "humbling." Life is hard. But it's the moments that count. And faith, hope, and love abide. It's all good!

I'm just superstitious enough to make those black-eyed peas and cabbage and add some cornbread, like any good Southern woman would. And then I'm just going to prop back and see what God has in store for 2024. I can resolve to seek His guidance each day!

Please post your reflections and resolutions, too! And Happy New Year!