Thanks

Its been almost six months since my anxious ride to the hospital where I had emergency brain surgery to remove my tumor. Milestones and timelines have a way of comparing events side by side; when that happens we are forced to take a hard look at where we are vs. how we were. I am overwhelmed with gratitude at what I have and what I have learned.

You can do anything. God gives us nothing to deal with that we cannot handle; but we must involve Him. With Him we can do anything.
Small moments hold great joy. There are still bad days but they are outweighed by the small moments. Moments of joy and simplicity that I skipped over before, never imagining their importance. So, hold your kids, hug your parents, and stay close to your friends because they are the joy of your life.
Take out the trash. It is ok to eliminate negativity from your life; you don't need it and life is too short to waste on people and things that don't really matter. No one said when dying that they wished they had spent more time at work.
You matter. Taking joy in simple things builds the hope you need to keep moving forward. If you love to sing, do it. If you love comic books, read them. If you like playing on the swings at the park, then swing your heart away. Life is just too short to not do the things you love.
It is ok to say, "Not now." Sometimes you allow guilt and other negative emotions to steal your joy, not because of your expectations but in a futile push to meet someone else's, let it go. You will never be enough or do enough for some people, give yourself permission to let go of trying to meet their needs.
Forgive. Everyday forgive. You never really know when your last moment is with someone and it is not necessary to hold onto hurt or anger. If you ask, He will provide you the help and support you need to move forward in strength and emotional health.

I have been so blessed this year. I am so grateful for the many opportunities everyday to learn and grow. God is good. May He bless and keep you.