We have never done wish lists in my family. No one will ask you what you want for your birthday or Christmas. The job of the gift giver is to be creative and extend something to the recipient they never knew they always wanted. Looking back on the last year of my life, I believe I was the recipient of such a gift. I came to this conclusion a few weeks ago when I realized I feel happier and stronger than I ever have. Last year I was experiencing a season of life where I felt so defeated and I lost the ability to step outside of my circumstances and see the bigger picture. Now I have a whole new perspective. Glancing back, at the time what seemed to be a series of unforeseen {and even unfair} bumps in the road, now appears to be more like a sequence of small miracles. Because of this experience, I wake up daily energized by the thrill of "possibility." Relishing in what could be, the element of surprise, the unexpected. { I wish I could bottle this feeling because I know it won't last forever. Wouldn't it be great to throw back a few on those days you just can't muster the strength to stay positive.} I feel as if my future is a beautifully wrapped present. I no longer have the need to sneak a peak and know what is inside. Because I already know I am going to love it.
Last summer I recall sitting in my car in the Smart and Final parking lot. I had just loaded all the groceries. As I put the keys into the ignition, a popular song came on the radio and I heard the lyrics for the first time. I was overcome with emotion. Partially because I felt so defeated, and partially because I suddenly felt so strong. I am happy to say I no longer feel paper thin. Yes, its true, according to Katy Perry,{embarrassed to quote a pop star}, baby I am a firework! So many incredible changes {outward and more importantly inward} have happened since that day. What a difference a year makes.
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
like a house of cards,
one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
"Cause there's a spark in you
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time, you'll know
You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
"Cause baby you're a firework
A quote that inspired me this week:
"The End. Is just the beginning......."
Stay Inspired!
Love to all,
Netti T
Here is one my colorful display designs.
