Last night, December 31st, another year of living was placed in the books for us. If you desire to live a year full of purpose, New Year’s Eve always seems like an appropriate time to evaluate where you’ve been and where you want to go as the New Year descends upon us.
And that is exactly what lies ahead of us today – a full year (God willing) to live a life. A life of purpose. A life of meaning. A life that doesn’t just go through the motions but one that makes a difference in the lives of others.
It’s New Year’s Day. A day filled with promise and hope for what is to come in this year called 2019. I’m not a resolution kind of making person; for me, resolutions are too easily broken. But I do spend moments considering what plans I may have for a fresh new year.
But I before I expound on that, I want to express in writing my thoughts about 2018 as it wanes its way into the past.
On a personal level, last year had its ups and downs, its highs and lows, just like any other year and any other person’s life. Papa and I journeyed on some amazing trips and made memories to last, experiencing sights and activities we hadn’t seen or done before. And I added five more states to my visiting all of our United States bucket list, bringing the total up to 40 – only 10 more to go!
Great family times of togetherness added to our memory banks. Learning another grandchild will join our family circle was yet another highlight of the year and just at Christmas time, we also learned the gender of our wee one to come – another sweet little girl!
In my cyber-world of blogging, I managed to write and post 154 times, but I think my biggest accomplishment was posting 30 days all in a row during the month of November when I chronicled my Thanks Giving each day. I gained new readers in 2018 but more importantly, I was encouraged by readers’ kind words and thoughtful expressions.
All of those aspects added happiness and accomplishment to my life, but at the same time, I found myself letting go of certain entrapments as well.
It may sound trivial but this past year, I decided to stop getting my hair colored. For most of my life, I’ve been told I looked younger than I actually was. And to continue that nice compliment, I started covering up my graying hair several years ago.
As my hair gradually became whiter, those hair appointments became more frequent and more expensive. For what? Vanity? I am the age I am – this new year will be a milestone one when I turn 65 – so why not embrace my age?
My hair stylist worked wonders in helping me make the switch from colored hair to natural. And you know what? I’ve gotten more compliments on my natural white/gray hair than I did when it was dyed.
It honestly has been a freeing experience. I’m not a slave to hair color any longer. Hair appointments take less time since all I require is a haircut now and my checkbook is happier for it as well.
What else have I let go this past year? The checkbook. In the past 40-some years of our marriage, this Mama took care of paying all the bills and managing our checking account because Papa was either traveling for business or just didn’t have time to handle it all. But now with Papa being semi-retired, he has taken over this chore. That too has been liberating for me as it has taken that burden off my mind.
I’ve also released my worry and concern over middle daughter finding a home of her own not too far away. She recently purchased a home very near this empty nest which will make it easier for this Nana to babysit Little One and we will be nearby if they need us.
And finally, I’m unleashing a chain that has kept me bound for too long – a chain of unforgiveness and bitterness. That burden has been most wearisome and I’m more than relieved to be free of it.
It’s a New Year. It’s time to let go of those things that bind, those things that hinder, those things that are better left in the past. It’s time to let go of 2018 and embrace 2019.
Happy New Year!
“When you let go, you are truly free.” ~ Unknown
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Mama's Empty Nest 
Hooray for accepting that natural hair color! I never dyed my hair, partly because I just couldn’t bear to spend money on it, and partly because it seemed a tiny bit silly. After all — I earned these gray hairs. I ought to celebrate them! Happy New Year to you — I hope it’s a good one for you and yours.
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That’s exactly how I feel now about my gray hair – I earned every one of them!! And there are a lot! Thanks for the vote of confidence! 🙂
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Happy 2019 to you and yours. It will certainly be a year to look forward to and hope for blessings to come (so excited for #3 for you all). The past year has been filled with very difficult things, but God has His plan and my prayer is that 2019 will bring the answers to do His Will and please Him in all things. Thinking of you and excitedly awaiting the return of our kids from their wonderful adventure!
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My prayer for you and your family is much the same as yours. May God show you His plan this year and bless you in a mighty way! Can’t wait to hear all about our kids’ big adventure either! 😃
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I had lunch with my former colleague over the holidays and she let her hair go gray as well. She truly looked beautiful and I’m sure that is the same for you…thus the many compliments you are receiving!
Letting go…forgiving…I learned the hard way that holding on is unhealthy. Just when we release one hurt, something else requires “letting go”. It’s complete reliance on God to attain these goals. God bless your 2019.
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So true, Mama Duck, there is always something that tries to keep us in “chains” and often it’s hard to break free. But letting go is what we must do for our own health! Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Be blessed in this new year.
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Lovely post. Wish you a happy and healthy 2019 – speak766
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Wishing you the same. Be blessed!
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About three years ago I, too, realized it was time to stop coloring my hair. I started getting gray when I was about 18. By the time I was in my mid to late 30’s my hair was considerable gray, so I started coloring. I colored my hair for 30 plus years. People were always telling me I didn’t look my age, but my hair was damaged from all the dye and my hair was having ‘issues’ holding onto the dye, so I made the decision to stop. My hairdresser helped me get rid of it. It took about a year for my hair to start looking truly healthy again, but I was glad not to have to go through all that anymore. Thanks for sharing. It was exactly what I went through. It is liberating to look at yourself and say, “It is okay to look my age.” So…almost 72, gray haired and still feeling young! Awesome!
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Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment! Your comment “It is okay to look my age” is exactly what I’m experiencing. So thank you for the confirmation and encouragement!! Be blessed.
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I love this. Just bc I’m 37, doesn’t mean I don’t have a similar train of thought. It might not be as much white, but when do I just let it go and be all natural?
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Well, I’m quite a number of years your senior, but after all of those years of coloring my hair, I just tired of the expense of it and the time it took. You’ll decide when the time is right for you. My hair is not all white, but is silver with my natural brown color underneath. It makes for an interesting look, but I like it.
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When you are ready; you will know when you reach that moment. Until then, keep coloring. I was 69 when I stopped coloring. It’s not about age it’s about how you feel about it. Gray hair can be attractive but if you aren’t feeling it…don’t.
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Thanks for sharing your honest look at 2018. You have inspired me to do the same and to be brave enough to let go of negative things.
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Happy New Year, dear Dor! I still have plenty more negative things to let go of…just a work in progress.
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❤
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Here’s to forgiveness and letting go of bitterness. I am right there with you. It won’t happen overnight but that is my goal—it is time!
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It doesn’t happen overnight, that’s for sure. For me, it’s taken years. But oh, the freedom we feel when we let go of that burden! 🙂
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