Embracing Joy and Rest

Rest and joy have become my guiding lights, my ministry. I discovered their transformative power during one of the darkest periods of my life, right after my first marriage ended. With my kids' father gone, I faced the daunting task of starting over. In that turbulent season, it was reading and seeking joy that sustained me. I vividly recall the relentless pursuit of happiness, finding reasons to smile even when it felt impossible.

As I navigate the journey of getting older, I find the need for joy and rest just as crucial—but for different reasons. Now, it's about reflecting on past mistakes, understanding their costs, and recognizing the importance of being truly present. Preparing our last two children to leave the nest has been a unique challenge. Raising kids who are engaged with life and not lost in the digital world is tough. Being a present parent when you never had one, cultivating a successful marriage without a blueprint, and intentionally living life on my own terms—these are the hurdles I've faced.

I've learned that growing older demands a blend of maturity, self-awareness, boundaries, self-compassion, and self-forgiveness. I am learning to let go of what I cannot control and to stop worrying about it. I am standing firm in my convictions, trusting my intuition the first time. I am embracing every part of myself, even the parts that aren't "perfect" by society's standards. My heart and convictions have carried me this far. I've earned these stripes, and I wear them with pride.