Moving on..forward...ahead or whatever

Moving on
hmm, this is a recurring thought for me. recently, I attended the funeral of my sweet niece, 11 year old Maddie. I have thought about what it takes to move forward after a great tragedy. I have thought about moving past my past. I have reflected on moving past my kids behaviors and seeing my family as a family and not as a therapists dream. :)
Moving on, is easier said than done. Logically, I can see that there are times that I need to have a do over, or reset. I can see that but letting go is hard. Doing the letting go and moving forward? even harder.
I have been known to hold a grudge. I disliked that horribly, in myself. So, I have worked for years on letting go and moving forward. Guess what? the amazing thing is I actually felt good inside when I was able to let go of hurt, anger, frustration. Easy? I don't think so! worth it? Absolutely.

One of the hardest parts of experiencing a tragedy is people telling you they are sorry. I know people mean well, they really truly do but, I am not sorry.
These moments make me.
They build me up.
These experiences make me stronger than I ever thought to be.
Sorry? doesn't even begin to touch it. I am so thankful.
Weird, right?
But, I can really say this "I AM THANKFUL".
I have faced unfairness, bitterness, blame, anger, hate, frustration, misery, hurt, loss and so much more.
And guess what? I have prevailed. Not only prevailed but, I have learned how to deal with these emotions. I have learned how to help myself and others.
That makes me strong.
Moving on takes courage. Moving on takes strength. Moving forward takes a person willing to see the bigger picture. Moving ahead takes someone resilient enough to bend and flow with change.
Am I happy these things happen? No way. However, I understand that all of these experiences are for my good. They are for me to improve.
When we are able to look at life in this way, happiness and joy are quick to follow. That is because, you are able to see clearly,
"I have this trial but, in the end, I am going to be a better person for it".
Peace and contentment will follow and your misfortune will pass. Slow as molassess sometimes but, it WILL pass.
Thankfully, we don't live in this misery forever.
whatever you have to do to bring peace happiness in your life, do it!
Forgiveness comes
Respect that we don't know what someone else has gone through and what they have lived through to shape them.
keep in mind that experiences can be good or bad depending on how you view them.

So, move on...move ahead and move forward.
Goodness awaits you.

Challenges

Well, I have been so busy that I haven't had time to write. But, I have been reflecting on the challenges that we all have. If only it was as easy as reading that sign and knowing that a particular challenge was coming my way soon. :)
Now, I enjoy the blessing of being a mom. This is both a blessing and a great challenge. The challenge comes when I can't keep my emotions from mixing with my kids. They also test your patience and their boundaries. Some days I want to hang my head and say "enough". there are days when I literally feel that I can not take one more thing.
Then, the moment is over and I am able to pick myself back up and go forward with faith.
Challenges come in many different forms and in many different ways. Some of us experience physical challenges. Some, emotional challenges. Some, mental challenges. Some a mixture of a few of these. There are many different kinds financial, jobs....well, you get the picture.
I am experiencing a big challenge right now. It might not seem so to you but to me it is huge. My challenge has been time or lack thereof. There does not seem to be enough time to do all that needs to be done or I simply don't have another ounce of energy to spare.
The light does come, you know. Sometimes you have to experience a longer challenge because you really need to learn the lesson behind the challenge. Don't lose faith. Don't lose hope. The light will come. There is a song I love so much, here are the words:
The message of this moment is so clear;
And as certain as the rising of the sun.
If your world is filled with darkness doubt and fear,
Just hold on, Hold on; the light will come.
Ev'ryone who's ever tried and failed
Stands much taller when the victory's won.
And those who've been in darkness for a while
Kneel much longer when the light has come.

It's a lesson ev'ry one of us must learn;
That the answers never come without a fight.
And when it seems you've struggled far too long,
Just hold on, hold on; there will be light.

Hold on. Hold on. The light will come.

When you feel trapped inside a never-ending night.
If you've forgotten how it feels to feel the light,
If you're half crazy thinking you're the only one
Who's afraid the light will never really come

Just hold on. Hold on! The light will come.

The message of this moment is so clear;
And as certain as the rising of the sun.
If your world is filled with darkness doubt and fear.
Just hold on, hold on, the light will come

Know that we all have our own challenges and struggles and we can be a support and strength to those around us, if we can share.
Sometimes, the message is "lose yourself in service to others and you forget about yourself"
When challenges enter your life, remember you are not alone. You are a warrior for the Lord. Lose yourself in Him and your self doubts and struggles will seem bearable.
When you see those around you know that they have similar thoughts and feelings that you do. You may think my challenge is easy but to me....
Love those around you. Stand Strong in your faith. Believe that the Lord will make those challenges bearable, He will share your burden. He may not let it go entirely but, He will make it manageable.