Flourish . . .

regardless of the conditions.

This is my word for the year.  A word to help me focus on being who I’m meant to be and doing the things I’m meant to do.

Gardenias are my favorite blossoms.

My favorite definition of this word is “to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment”.  However, the journey I have been on has taught me that I can flourish regardless of the environment.

Even as I navigated for two decades in a mostly unsettled personal relationship, I learned to flourish.  In the early years, I buckled under during the difficult times.  As I allowed my heart to learn to let go of things over which I had no control, as I allowed my heart to forgive myself and others, and as I allowed myself to learn and grow from the challenges, well ~  I flourished.  In the midst of the pain and sadness, I was able to experience true joy and true peace because of the transformative love of Jesus.  It all made me a better version of myself now than I was then.  I was able to flourish despite less than favorable circumstances.

When life changed dramatically and there was very little to no drama, to say that life felt surreal at times is an understatement.  Although I was experiencing the most blissful time in my existence, something inside of me was scared that I would stagnate.  Without the conflict, would I cease to grow?  The name of my blog is “a life being refined”, referring to how the heat of fire purifies gold.  I felt like I had been in the fire, it was hot, it burned and it was painful.  But that fire burned away impurities and unwanted characteristics in me that otherwise might have remained.  And PUHLEEZ don’t think that I somehow think I am or my life is perfect, there’s still a lot of refining that needs to be done in this life for sure!

Here I am at the commencement of a new year, embarking on the next phase of my journey.  I learned that I can grow when life is calm.  So with the words from past years ~ discipline, intentional, gratitude, integrity ~ I will use the things I learned focusing on those words to help me flourish in 2017.

For the world, 2016 was tumultuous.  We’ve said goodbye to both loved ones and celebrities who touched our lives.  In the United States, the heated exchanges regarding politics were a source of much negativity.  I don’t have the ability to change the whole world, but I do have the ability to see where there is need and how I can contribute.  As I flourish, my prayer is that I will speak and act in ways that contribute to the overall betterment of my family, my community, my nation and my world.

I always welcome your insights, thoughts, and questions.  My prayers for peace, hope and love to all ~ now and in the new year.

Hugs & smiles!