You know that rollercoaster feeling? That deep pit in your stomach feeling – where you are holding on for dear life and questioning your choices. The feeling I have is wanting to hold onto each moment like that rollercoaster ride. There is still so much living to live and I’m aware how precious life is and can end in a blink of an eye.
2025 was filled with a lot of changes – helped my boyfriend through a long year of rehabilitation, helped my Mom with lots of changes in her life and health then losing her, and navigating my own life. I’m questioning what my next choices will be and what 2026 will bring. I’ve been sick for about a week, per usual around this time of year, and spending a lot of time in solitude, staying in my Mom’s room. I’m not one to sit still; so I walked around her home just looking at pictures, figurines, details. I instinctively took a deep breath and soaked in any memories I could. I held simple items that have been around for decades, breathing in moments, as memories or realizations came to mind. I laughed. I cried. I tried to embrace this time without being sad – for the actual moments I’m craving is to spend more time with my parents. I never took time I spent with them for granted. And I want more. I’m remembering something Grandpa Sam told me and its truth stings “I wish I could spend more time here with all I know now – but go back to a younger time, with people I miss.”
As I reflect upon 2025, I am holding onto my beliefs. I believe in God’s unconditional love to give me strength to endure the challenges 2025 brought. I believe everyone has a right to their beliefs and convictions. We all have our own journey, our own path. I’m holding onto a spirit of hope that we are here for a purpose and people cross our paths for a reason. I believe we are here to love and help one another. So, my wish is for hope for all. And my prayer is to be more courageous and take chances to do more things I’d like to do. My wish is to listen more and speak less. My prayer is for my family and friends to be safe, healthy, and happy. My prayer is that we all follow the path God has set before us, using our talents with His grace, wisdom, and love. Enjoy the company of those who mean you well. For those who aren’t on the same journey as you, as you persevere and thrive, wish them well and move on.
Make memories. Make plans. Hug those you love. Help people. Find the time to be all you are meant to be. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Surround yourself with love and positivity. Move on when it’s time. Share wisdom. Choose right. Make the hard choices. Find your joy. Find your courage. Embrace life. Do it. Go. Read about how giving daily grace can give our lives more joy and meaning.
~Here’s to a bright and hopeful 2026 where we put love and faith with every choice.
Tina
There is a time for everything….Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV
1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.