I realized this week it has been so long sinceI have written.
It was a busy month here withtwo graduationssome local travelingand the Fourth of July.
It has been a beautiful whirlwind of activity.
But it's good to home.
I need some grounding time in the gardento reflecton this newest chapterthat has begun.
With my youngest graduatingfrom high schoolmy full time mothering daysare far behind me.
The 'proverbial empty nest'that has been approaching for yearshas come.
And I am here now to welcome it's arrivala far, far cryfrom four years agowhen the process began.
I realize nowthe idea of 'an empty nest'has more to do with my personal focusthan who is actually living in the house.
It is a refocusing of an outlook.
Realizing that all of my children are of adult age nowwith lives to fulfill on their ownwhether it be under the same roof or not.
They have their own soulsand life lessons to learn.
As do I.
I have completed some really important chapters in my lifeand now it is onto the new!
I finally couldn't be happier with this newest chapter to be opened.
At my ageand at this point in my lifeit is time to ask my self
"What legacy do I want to leave behind?"
"How can I make these years count?"
What other healthful choices do I need to integrate into my lifeso this body that is my vehiclefor lifecan be maximized for the years to come.
I know I want to leave a legacy of love and encouragement.
I know by now at times life is hard on us allsokindnessgracelove and encouragementreally do matter.
I know now I have no desire to 'retire'but rather design a lifewhere work and playare intermingledin passionate creativity.
I know as this newest chapter opensit is time to write a newlife mission statement.Being at an age where there is reality of an end is the perfect reminderto relish each day.
How can I make each day count?To remember to focus on a bigger picturenot to lose days and yearson lists and tasksis an always elusivepursuit of perfect.
I know I want to encourage myselfand others
That there can be so much good yet to come at this stage.
I am old enough to realizethere too will be lossbut I want to summon the courageto be braveand alwaysbe all in in lifejust as I was in parenting.
I want to prove to myselfand othersthat no matter what popular culture says
You don't have to be youngthinor richto live a beautiful life.
I welcome my newest life chapterwith open armsandan open heart.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you design and style your life
