Reflecting on 2019 - and Making Plans for 2020

It's January 26, almost a month into the new year and I have not even mentioned any new year resolutions or goals. I do not post them, not because I am not that good at following grand resolutions, but because I do better with a WORD of focus, a theme for myself and then go after it with intense energy throughout the year.  Energy comes and goes, but the direction does not. I eventually make some progress forward. After all, success is about the journey, not the destination. My new word for the year is RENEW, but more on that in a minute.

Last year's focus word(s) were RESTORE and RENOVATE. We as a family have done that and much more last year. On a personal front, it took many months and many side roads, but I can honestly say we have accomplished just about everything we planned, and then some. Personally, I have done what I set out to do for myself too.

Home. Almost a year ago we made a decision we would be parting ways with this home we built almost 20 years ago now, and in order to do that we would be remodeling and upgrading parts of it to make it beautiful for its eventual new family. There are several reasons we wanted to move, among them, the amount of maintenance for house and yard this big, is more than we have the time and energy to give. After MANY, many home improvement projects, some of which you have seen photo evidence, we are very, very close to being done and ready for the next stage: selling our home. The place is beautiful, somewhere I would be proud to show people, and will be great for another young family with lots of energy. We renovated the whole downstairs - living room, kitchen and nook, and utility room. With some help from contractors, family and friends, we replaced doors, trim and baseboards throughout the whole house, replaced lighting, and updated some electrical outlets. We upgraded all of the bathrooms, replaced carpets, put in wood-laminate flooring downstairs and up, and repainted everything. We are very nearly done. I almost want to keep it and stay. Almost.

Health. Some of you know I've gone through some health challenges last year, most of which I keep to myself or just talk about with a few. I am somewhat private about that because I don't want to be THAT friend or THAT relative that is always constantly complaining about their issues. I sought medical professionals advice, and I'm pleased to have made some good strides at finding answers to my issues and have a good plan forward for this year. I feel 100% better already. In a nutshell, I had some female problems that led to me getting extremely anemic and drained me of my energy and have also become pre-diabetic. These issues are treatable and completely within my power to affect positive change in the coming year.

Family. My family: husband, kids, grandchildren, and my mom, sister's family, and brother's family - are EVERYTHING to me. I can give up everything else, and be okay if I have my family.  There are also different types of family - that can come into your lives and you are not connected by blood, but by a bond of love. Work family, church family, fur-baby family, and friends that become family. This last year I restored some fractured relationships, and built some new ones. We adopted FIVE homeless kitties, totaling SEVEN under our roof, not counting all the outdoor strays we feed and care for!! They are special, and so loving and sweet. I don't know why we are so blessed, but am glad to give them a good home. We are a strange family.

Faith. I started out the year with some challenges and difficulties with my faith, but felt like I was on solid ground at least. I've had strong Christian women in my life for many years and this year got to know some ladies in my life group on a much deeper level, and they have become a solid rock of support to me. I have learned how to truly be part of the church body, where you can actually see in front of you how each part works together. We have cried together, studied together, fellow-shipped and laughed, and most important for all of us, prayed together. This group of amazing women have been such a blessing and incredibly supportive. All of us are going through some really tough stuff individually. Not one of us feels strong on our own, but together and with God's help and a lot of love, we can help each other do great things and sustain each other. My faith is renewed, restored, and stronger than ever.

Future. 2020 is going to be a busy year. It will go fast, so buckle up, buttercup! We are selling our home of 20 years, moving to temporary house, relocating to Puyallup, building a new home, seeing a child get married and start his own family, welcoming in a new daughter (in-law). My other son embarking on a new career and started over in another state. Another nephew graduating high school and starting college. My daughter is beginning an amazing new career, and finding her whole self. I am (hopefully) finishing my own journey with college, with my own Bachelor's degree (God willing). Healthy lifestyle changes and some good nutritional supplements will see me becoming stronger physically. My word for the year is RENEW. I will need every ounce of energy, faith, and physical strength and I have GREAT expectations for this coming year.

Be Kind - Your Words Can Cut To the Bone

I saw a Facebook post today from a woman whom I have 'watched' struggle with homelessness over the last year. She just recently got off the street and is now employed and has a home. I heard and understand her words so deeply - and I am really saddened by what she overheard, but it is the more common attitude out there these days. 

Just thought you would appreciate this, my friends. I know you are part of the solution and will remember to be kind and compassionate, not cruel to those seeking help. 

(From a formerly homeless woman, Tacoma, WA, 5.15.19, Facebook group OthersHelpingOthers)

Just some thoughts...
Today, I was on the bus. A woman sitting across from me said “Our city needs to do something about these homeless people ! They are disgusting ! And, they’re not going to go away until we stop standing for it and force them to get off their lazy butts and get a job !!”.
I could feel tears forming in my eyes.
A lady in front of me said to her “How would you feel if you were homeless and being talked about that way ? “....

So... here I am, writing this post.
How would you feel if you knew that each day you had to hang your head down in shame as you passed by people who were “disgusted” by you ? As if being homeless isn’t enough by itself...
Do you think that you would feel motivated to seek employment or housing if you had no self confidence left in you ? How about if you knew that the reaction of most people when they saw you was not a pleasant one and most would shake their heads at you as if to tell you that you were not worthy of a good life and that you deserved to be where you are ?
Would you be excited for your future ?

Many homeless people do not choose the lifestyle. I was one of them. There seems to be a view out there that being homeless is easy... well, it isn’t.
And, it’s very humiliating.

How much hope would you have if you were homeless and alone ?

Please try to remember that every homeless person is somebody’s mother, father, son, daughter, sister, brother, etc. ...

Have compassion in your heart.

When I was homeless and a stranger smiled at me... it made me happy inside.
It made me feel accepted. And, most of all: it made me want to go on and do better.

When you put down a homeless person... it is not a reflection of who they are but rather... a reflection of who YOU are....
So, be a part of the solution rather than the problem.
Just be kind.
You just never know what a difference you may make ...
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