Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Happy New Year


"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." Oprah Winfrey 

A new year....twenty-ten ending.....twenty-eleven about to begin. 

I never cared about the start of a new year...or an old one ending. It didn't matter. The one just seemed to melt into the other....Everything stayed the same...no changes....no real purpose. 

Now....I feel this excitement....and a hope for a great year. My head is swimming with things I want to try...stuff I want to accomplish.  And I have this strong hope...that maybe in some way I can make a difference for somebody....use what I lived to show that life does change and things do turn around....

Something else that's different...I have this desire to want to kick back.... laugh....and have fun. Not take life so seriously. I've always lived on the edge....on guard...waiting for the bomb to drop.

Last night my 14 year old snuggled up to me. She said something that started the two of us laughing. Everytime either of us tried to talk...we burst out laughing. And some friends came over....for five hours we talked and laughed. No one wanted to leave. And I was okay. I often feel I have to pump myself up to stay present even for an hour or two....

We're invited for breakfast to a friends.....and other friends invited us out for supper and then a party at their place.  I said yes to both even though I feel  overwhelmed. My natural instinct is to pull back...say no....not go....but this time...even though I feel uneasy just thinking about it.....I won't back out...I'll go...

The fighter in me survived the streets...rape.....drugs...an eating disorder - I can use that same fight to push past all the tough feelings.  I'll keep telling myself I can do this. 

Twenty-eleven....it's gonna be a great year! Happy New Year guys....I wish you all peace and freedom and His love.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

I myself was on the street and addicted to drugs. I put my testimony in my profile if your interested in reading it. I'm glad to know your doing great and enjoying life! :)

Blessings!

Mrs. A

Noelle Dunn.... A Poet in Progress said...

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Sarah,

It sounds like you are quite excited about the New Year. This is a good thing.

Blessings,

-Lady Rose

Chatty Crone said...

Oprah my dear friend, I think you've got it.
Gayle.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you are living in the moment. That's great! I hope you have a great new year and I look forward to reading more about your life in 2011.

Wishing you well,
NOS

middle child said...

I think your excitement is rubbing off on me. Thanks for giving me a better outlook. And I wish you many blessings in the New Year.

Anonymous said...

Sarah,
LAUGHING with you my friend. And anticipating the GREAT year you're going to share with us.
Hugs and blessings and prayers,
Deb

Wanda's Wings said...

Happy New Years to you. May all your dreams come true this year.

Sharon said...

Sarah - What a victory it is for you to claim "YES" in your life! God is shedding His Light in your life, and the past is fading...

It IS going to be a great year - I'm excited to share our journeys in 2011 - I think God's going to do BIG things!

Peace and freedom - THAT is the true gift we get from His Love.

GOD BLESS, Sarah - and a Happy New Year to you!

Unknown said...

I feel a real excitement about this year, too, so I can relate to your post. I can also relate to having to push myself out there sometimes when it's so tempting to isolate. So wonderful to see that you have climbed so many mountains to get where you are now and that you have survived. Peace be with you.

Anonymous said...

It's going to be a great year!!!! I love the part about Shelley and you. :)

Tracie Nall said...

2011, a year of fun, laughter, and relaxing...I love it! Happy New Year to you too!

Mary said...

Happy New Year sweetie! May it be filled with love, laughter, and may you experience God's love and care for you in even greater measure!

Grace, peace, and love to you!

Dulçe ♥ said...

Twenty eleven sounds nice... and as so must be nice
Happy New Year my dear Sarah!
:)

Wondering Soul said...

(((Sarah)))
Happy New Year.
Your bravery and incredible story has given me something to hold onto at times this year. Thank you for all you say and do.
I wish you a year even fuller and more peacefilled than this one.
With much love

WS
x

MTJ said...

Happy New Year Sarah!

Thanks for your fellowship and friendship. Best wishes to you and family in the coming new year.

Blessings and peace.

MTJ

Sheila Deeth said...

Wishing you a blessed new year.

Crown of Beauty said...

This post really made me smile - am so glad, so happy for the changes you are experiencing.

As far back as I can remember, I have always been excited about the new year. There was always something special about the new year, or the new week, or the new month...

And I wish you that sense of excitement in my heart - I wish you a sense of good things happening in 2011.

There are surely very many changes in store...I can just "see" it!

Keeping you close,
Lidj

Just Be Real said...

Happy New Year dear one! Thank you for your continuing sharing of your story and bringing such encouragement to many. Blessings.

Mya said...

You have much to share with others that brings them encouragement, but that has a double edge. Even though you can help someone see through the veil of darkness it causes you to remember the pain, so it is necessary for you to find the moments that allow you to relax, laugh, enjoy your family and just being alive. I am glad that you seem to be finding a more balanced life.

Julie Musil said...

I agree about 2011. I think it'll be a great year. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy new year.

Anonymous said...

Sarah,
Thanks so much for checking out and following my blog. I am now following yours as well :] Keep the faith and I pray you have an amazingly blessed year :] Happy 2011!

A Plain Observer said...

when you look back and see all the changes, you HAVE to feel good! reading you, makes me feel good. Your story tells there is never a dead end.
Of course, 2011 will be a good year, you will make it good.

Anonymous said...

You can do it and I will be your cheeleader to cheer you on any time you need. you are free to e mail me anytime whcih comes to my phone and I will write back with enouraging word to help you thru it.
Im proud of you and you are setting a great example for your daughter, good job!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

My heart jumped, and I wanted to shout, "Yes!" God has given you a future and a hope.

Blessings,
Susan :)