I haven't always felt comfortable taking breaks, but to be the best that I can for myself, I’ve learned that taking breaks from different areas of my life is necessary for my well-being.

2017 is coming to an end in a few short hours.  But before 2018 begins, I wanted to take a moment to share reflections from the year-- from the beginning to the end ... the good and not so great. 

It was exactly ten years ago when the desire to write was ignited inside of me. I remember the moment like it was yesterday.  I was taking an undergraduate creative writing class.  We wrote memoirs, plays, and sonnets.  This type of writing I enjoyed because the stories came from within me, and they were a part of me.  I didn't realize I had stories until that class.  It was like a lid was taken off all of the thoughts I held within me.  I felt free to share the words on paper that I dared not speak because of the fear of being misunderstood.

I didn't say anything to her, but I am sure my eyes did.  I found the masking tape, but I couldn't help but to continue thinking about the scene that I witnessed. 

2015 has treated my family and I well.  I can't say that everything was perfect, but I can say I appreciated the good along with the not so great.  Any time when growth is noticeable, I can't help but to rejoice. 

As the year winds down, I can't help but to reflect on our adventures this year.  Our big adventure involved us uprooting to anew town which we knew nothing about because we had never visited before or heard of it in random conversation.  Our first visit included us and all of our belongings.

 Grace has taken over.  It has caused me to stop and think about what it really means.  I didn't intentionally seek to learn more about grace, but here recently it comes up in many conversations.  It is hard to have a conversation about something that you haven't taken the time to learn about for yourself.  I have taken the challenge to learn more about the grace which is freely given.

The holidays typically remind me of busyness.  Everyone is planning and gathering for the festivities that will take place over the next month or so.  There is also the hustle and bustle of trying to make wonderful memories with family from getting the holiday snapshots in to dedicating time for the things in which time is not normally available.  Not to mention this season also includes the ending of another year which can bring on the feelings and desire to squeeze in a few last minute goals.

Hey, y'all!  It is my hope and prayer that each of you are in good health and spirit.  Since it is that time of the year where we focus on the blessings whether good or bad, I thought it was only fitting to share a few things which I am grateful for today.