An Empowered Spirit Blog Post

As The Year Ends There's Something I Need To Say

By Cathy Chester on December 29, 2017

I know it's been awhile since I wrote in this space but I needed to take a step back for a bit of a breather. We all deserve breathers once in awhile, so I guess it was just my turn.

As 2017 comes to a close I think back on all that's happened. It's been a pretty crappy year.

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As I type these words I think about the challenges I faced that helped me grow in new and different ways. Like a baby taking its first steps, I am walking in unchartered territory. It's scary, hopeful and disarming.

I never liked making resolutions for the new year, but when the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve I'll say a prayer for a kinder year.

Here are a few things I'm hoping for. Perhaps you are too.

Love - To be surrounded by those who love me whether I'm well or not and understand that looking good doesn't necessarily mean wellness.

Friendship - I've been blessed with incredible friends who I love dearly. I hope none grow tired of my need to cancel, sometimes at the last minute. This year I canceled almost a dozen social and business engagements. I hope that number changes. I miss socializing with good friends and attending important professional conferences and events.

Wellness - This is an overused term, yet it's my goal and I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. A new gastroenterologist, acupuncturist, and nutritionist will help me find my way.

Kindness, Compassion, and Forgiveness - When someone isn't in my corner I want to remember to keep kindness and compassion in my heart. I want to forgive those who've been unkind. The only way to inner peace is to forgive others and to forgive yourself. If everyone on the planet did this our world would be a better place.

Move forward - I want to keep my eye on the prize of happiness, both personally and professionally. Releasing what hurts from the past helps you step more easily into the next chapter. As for grief, that's a process that takes as long as it takes. It's different for everyone. To that end, things will never be the same. Still, we have to keep moving forward to successfully survive. That is the goal, to survive.

"Forget what hurt you but never forget what it taught you."~Sharon Adler

Gratitude - I am grateful for the unconditional love and support of my friends and family. I am grateful for every reader of my blog. I hope the experiences and information I share gives you a chance to stop, think, and be motivated to be your own best fabulous self.

Thank you for being a lovely part of my life and for following me on my crazy journey. I wish you a joyous, healthy and prosperous 2018! Peace and good health to all.

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Author

Cathy Chester

Comments

  1. Beautiful land heartfelt. I understand, as best one can while not being the one with the illness your ready smile and perseverance remind me of my husband’s positive approach to living with MS. It is a blessing for everyone around you.

  2. As this year comes to a close I pray that you and your family may enjoy wonderful new memories in 2018. Your sentiments are very meaningful and appreciated. I know that life can deal some hard knocks. Stay strong and remember that we are all in this craziness together. With much love and lots of hugs, -Bo

  3. What more could one ask for for every day? Kindness always leads. Kindness to yourself and kindness to others. Hopefully the New Year brings you all you want.

  4. Cathy - glad you’re back - and that you took the break you needed. I think your list of resolutions(?) are perfect and I sure hope you attain each. Thanks for being “here” to help support so many of us. Happy New Year!

  5. Dear Cathy, I am so grateful for our friendship. You are truly a blessing. I wish you happiness and good health in 2018 and always. And I hope we can get together soon. xoxo

  6. Dear Cathy! I can't begin to know everything you are going through but please know that your courage and your determination in the face of whatever lies before you is an inspiration to us all. I'm glad to hear that you are still hopeful for the future and even though your steps may be small, they are still moving forward. Please know that you have many people, like me!, who support you and are cheering you on. May you find all that you seek in 2018! ~Kathy

  7. Dearest Cathy, I’ve missed your posts and am sad to hear it’s been such a tough year for you. Your resolution to get your health back is Inspiring and I send love and strength your way. Here’s to a healthy and more caring 2018. Xo

  8. Cathy, this has been a challenging year on many fronts. You’ve set a good example for looking ahead. On a personal note, I hope for a graceful acceptance of my “new normal,” and the ability to avoid letting that one thing define me. Stay strong and true to yourself, and have a good year.

  9. It was so nice to see this post in my email this morning, Cathy. I think most of us are anxious to see 2017 disappear and hopeful for 2018 to get us back to sanity. I know it was a difficult year for you, personally, and I pray for your strength and health in 2018. I had to take a break from blogging in December, as well. It was kind of along the lines of 'if you can't say anything nice...', you know? Let's raise a glass to 2018, it has to be better.
    b

  10. Thank you for your post. I’m sorry that 2017 has been difficult for you, and I hope that 2018 turns out to be a wonderful year for you and your family. You have inspired me to think about what my hopes are for the coming year. First of all, I hope for happiness and good health for my family and friends. Personally speaking, I would like to become a little more forgiving of others (and of myself), and I’d like to continue the practice of grounding and living in the moment rather than worrying about the “what if’s” that sneak into my head.

    Thank you so much for writing - I look forward to your blog posts! Have a happy New Year and a joyous 2018.

  11. You can do whatever you want to do. This year will be better than the past. Your attitude makes all the diference and inspires the rest of us. You just keep on trucking and we'll all go with you. You're our leader. Take care. It sounds like that's what you're doing. So lead on!

  12. This post is a perfect year end AND year beginning post. Like the Runaway Bunny I will follow you to be in your corner forever. We will see you soon, I just know it! Love you 😍

  13. Hi Cathy the horses, myself and all the other animals at Full Circle Equine Rehabilitation Center wish for you a 2018 full of as much love and kindness as you! Your kindness towards me is something that helped empower me with the umph to keep on keeping on.i hope you can feel me sending the same to you!

  14. My year wasn't just crappy it was the worst of my life. Getting older is not for the weak of spirit because it also turned out to be one of the best. Like you I hate that I cancel... but sometimes during a siege it has to be done. Gratitude and Friends... my cornerstones.

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