Making my new house a home. Slowly but sure it's getting there after just a couple of days. :-)

I've been up since 1:30am today. Thankfully I fell asleep early at 10 last night! Part of the thoughts running through my mind center on the transition I will be making over the next few weeks. I am buying a house today and will be in the process of moving through mid-January. When I gave up on trying to sleep, I decided to lace up my shoes and do some circuit work/running this morning close to home. I ran the steps and did some circles in the parking lot. Being out amid my neighbor's cars led me to reflect on my experience in this apartment. It was a huge change for me to begin to live on my own and slowly I grew accustomed to that and then became friendly with several neighbors. Over time after hearing the stories of so many neighbors, I realized that in this apartment complex there is a lot of pain. A lot of separation, divorce, etc. I knew that I could not stay here indefinitely when I made this realization, but in order for my own healing to occur I had to feel my own pain. And feel it I did. The other day I ran with a good friend and she told me that she learned the meaning of TIME... Things I Must Endure. I thought that was pretty profound, to be honest. So my time at this apartment complex is coming to a close. I have endured my share of pain and some healing as well and it is time to move on to a new chapter regardless of how I pictured my life to be when I was little. I have learned and grown so much over the past few years. More lessons for me to learn for sure...

Namaste.

Feeling. Knowing. Comfort.

Seeing the excitement of my mini-me as she opened her Christmas gifts... and hearing her gratitude over them as well. For sure times have changed for my family, but some things stay the same. Bless her heart and the heart of each and every person stopping by to read this post.

With loving kindness always, namaste.

Christmas caroling with old friends. The tradition that has stood the test of times over 13 years. I felt a little worn out tonight but still enjoyed as did our many audiences.

The stars in the clear night sky. I know when I look at them that no matter what happened or didn't happen over any given period of time, it is right. All is well... especially on this crisp, beautiful night.

Steadfast faith. Though dim, the candle continues to burn.

Acknowledging that I am evolving and the transformation is rocky. I have and always will be an emotional person, but it's as if there's a magnifying glass on me lately and it just intensifies whatever emotion I am rolling through at any given time. Today was a fairly steady one, but this evening with some significant quiet alone time my emotions took me all over the map... and for no one reason. I have a feeling that one day I will wake up and realize that life is steady and has been for a few months. I'm just not sure when that day will come. Patience.

Running in an enchanted forest-like setting complete with fog lifting off the water. I really enjoyed the 60 degree December day yesterday!

Advice received in the form of song today after a somewhat difficult yesterday... Thank you Nat King Cole!

Smile though your heart is breaking
Smile even though it's aching
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying? 
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying? 
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Watching the flames dancing around in my fireplace and using that light to read with my girl.

Having a moment at my girl's gymnastics class last night... one of those moments when it clicked just how fast she is growing up. As a parent I always hope I am making the right choices in rearing her and being involved in various aspects of her life. Last night just watching her brought tears to my eyes. She truly is the light of my life.

Having a moment while reading to my little one tonight when I realized in a split second again that my actions, as long as they are a result of love, are good. Sometimes I question how my decisions impact her as a person and in her development. As long as I am acting out of the love I have for her, things will work for the good. I just know it.

Having a really good night with my girl. She was a lovebug from start to finish. AND she read to me before bed. <3