I believe it is human nature to want to learn and grow as a person, to collect new experiences, to learn from those experiences be they good or bad, and to develop a personal identity one can love and respect.

For me, I’ve come to realize that writing this blog is cathartic for me. Cathartic, but in a slightly different sense than I had initially believed. It serves a purpose, whether anyone reads it or not. So, why, might you ask, do you share what you write? Because it makes it REAL when I share my most intimate and profoundly emotional struggles. Once I hit that publish button, there is no going back. People very close to me read what I write. It’s as honest as I can be.

For me the reality is that, in writing my story, I get the opportunity to share a little about what may be bouncing about in my head with the hope that I may learn a little about myself. I am able to process my own struggles and reframe them in a healthy way. And I am able to distract myself from my day and the events, people, and happenings that may likely have contributed to my anxiety and feelings of inadequacy and depression. This time is a gentle and much needed respite away from many of the challenges I face daily. It’s because of this that I plan to continue with this blog. One interesting observation though. I have noticed, however, that I easily fall back into bad habits and negative internal dialogue when I don’t take the time to write and share. Taking the time out of my day to share something with you helps keep me on the right path. I hope you can understand.

So, as I continue on this journey, I hope you will stay with me. My father liked to say that opportunity and adventure was out there for anyone brave enough and determined enough to go looking for it. Hence the saying, Go West Young Man. Dad was a voracious consumer of Old Western Television shows. Those old cowboys took to dusty trails looking for a new and happy life, on the search for pretty ladies with ruby red lips, and with the hope that they would find riches beyond their dreams. They couldn’t have been wrong. West was where the opportunity lay. For me, West is more of a mindset. Mind you, if it wasn’t for a few special people and a career here, I’d be happy to set out in my little red car, with bags packed, no plans or schedules, in search of bliss and happiness. If I did, then West might just be the direction the car might take me. A tank full of gas and a debit card is all I need…. I can pick everything else up on the journey…

So, as I continue on my own journey, I hope to keep a keen eye out for opportunity, adventure, and the love of a good man. Ruby red lips are optional, but pretty blue eyes are a definite plus… I will write for my own happiness and pleasure. Only time will decide what I choose to write about. I’ve got a lot to share, and some of it may actually be entertaining… I will extend mercy to self and grace to others. I will accept what I cannot change and work to change that which I have some ability to change. And If I am not successful, then I will rest and start again, tomorrow.

Thanks again, for sticking with me. As I end my day, with New Years Eve fireworks causing a ruckus in my neighborhood, I wish you Peace, Love and Happiness. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. JFTS