The first thing we need to decide is that we want to make a change. If you are not happy where you are then take the necessary steps to change it. It’s scary but you can do it!
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”
—J.P. Morgan
Photo by Jukan Tateisi on Unsplash
It’s a new year. What do you want yours to look like? Are you happy where you are? Would you like to try something new? Then take the chance, make the changes, and change your story.
“New year—a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.”
—Alex Morritt
Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
Even though I grew up around the game of golf, I was never much interested in playing the sport. My whole family golfed including the women. I felt like the day was too long, it was too hard, and there wasn’t enough action for me. My grandfather ran a golf tournament all of my life. I got involved in selling candy bars at the tournament when I was in second grade. Then my sister and I became the beer girls and eventually, I ran the thing when he passed away.
Last month, I had a wonderful experience. I went to a networking group in Florida called #LEGS (Ladies Executive Golf Society). It’s all about women meeting women and learning a new skill, golf! My friend, Karen, introduced me to this group, and I felt like I was exactly in the right place at the right time. Tonight, we meet again, and we are learning how to putt before we socialize and learn more about each other. I can’t wait! The last time I went I left feeling excited and hopeful. I hope this organization continues to grow in the Fort Myers area. And I hope I can attend many more of these events!
#LEGS was started for women by women. Its vision is to empower women to try new things, build relationships, foster growth in communities, and have fun! If you think about it, many men develop business relationships and networking connections on the golf course whether they are any good at the sport or not. As women, we don’t always take that step to try something new, especially something as challenging and overwhelming as golf. #LEGS is trying to change that by giving us the confidence to step on the golf course and support other women in the community. Let’s get more women out on the golf course!
Whether you are into golf and whether you work or not, I highly suggest coming to at least one event. The events are posted on the website and occur once a month. Golf is just a tiny piece of what the group is all about and part of the event registration fee goes to a local charity. The one in Fort Myers is called Valerie’s House which is a nonprofit dedicated to helping children on their journey of grief after losing a parent or sibling.
There are #LEGS chapters in six cities in Florida, but the founder is always looking to expand. If you are willing to start a chapter in your area contact Jillian Foss at ladiesexecutivegolfsociety@gmail.com. If you are in the Fort Myers area, please sign up and take a chance at this event. Come meet other women and learn a new skill. There is still time to sign up for tonight’s event at Eastwood Country Club. See you there!
Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Most people love summer more than winter but I truly believe every season has such beauty. The summer sun is amazing and that’s why my Rock and I are pretty much Sunbirds. We chase the sun all year. But we also find time to marvel at the beauty of the mountains, the lakes, and the snow when we go skiing.
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.”
— John Burroughs
Photo by Hert Niks on Unsplash
Last year I wrote a post called “Letter from Above.” A friend told me I should republish it every year around the holidays so I thought I would remind you to check it out. Click on the link above and it will take you back to my letter. I hope it gives you a sense of peace as we embark on this holiday season. Even though the holidays are a beautiful time of year, they also can be very painful for some people who have suffered severe loss. I hope that you have the support you need to get through this season with a smile on your beautiful face and a light of hope in your heart.
As I was wasting time on Facebook the other day, I saw this letter that someone else shared. I also kept the links that will take you to their pages. I thought both of these women were very inspirational. I hope you take some time to scroll through their pages. Just reading a few of their posts made me feel better about myself, my journey, and the losses I have suffered. I hope they do the same for you.
Photo by Álvaro Serrano on Unsplash
Every day is a beautiful day to be appreciated. Even if it’s not your idea of a perfect day, it is a day to be lived. You never know when you won’t have tomorrow.
Today, I will not stress over the things I can’t control and I will enjoy this beautiful day.
~ Brigette Nicole
Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash
This says it all. Let the people who don’t appreciate you or your worth go. You don’t need to be pulled down in other’s drama. Keep your head high and let them lose you.
You need to let people lose you.
Let them go along with the crowd.
Let them believe what they want to believe.
Let them think they have better.
Let them sleep on your worth.
Because in due time
they will realize the mistake they made,
And it will be just enough time for you
to accept that you’re better off without them.
~ Morgan Richard Olivier
Photo by Deborah L Carlson on Unsplash
A friend sent this prayer to me years ago. Just a little reminder that we are not perfect. We are doing the best we can. And there is something higher than us doing work on us as we go through this life.
Father, I thank you for accepting me as I am. I may not be perfect but You know I am trying my best and I am going out today with my head held high, knowing that You are in the process of changing me.
~ unknown
Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash
After leaving our summer home on October 22 and traveling to Richmond and staying in Wilmington, NC for a month then going back to Richmond for the Thanksgiving holiday and then back to Wilmington and then to South Carolina I am FINALLY HOME! And it feels so good.
Our home in Florida is amazing. It’s paradise. There is nothing like our backyard. The morning sunrises are absolutely breathtaking, hence why my Prince and I got married at 8:30 in the morning! Lately, we have been wondering why we are never here when we have such an amazing place to be.
Driving in yesterday was a different feel. We usually acknowledge things that are different after we’ve been gone for the summer. Usually, new buildings have gone up or new stoplights have been installed. Yesterday, I noticed how the downtown marina is still not there. How the boats are piled upon the shore. How there are still sticks, palm fronds, and household contents along the curb all the way home. It seems they are working so hard but there is so much “stuff” to clean up after Hurrican Ian. It gives me a sense of hope but also a sense of how much damage was done, and it makes me sad.
It makes me wonder how long it will take to clean up and rebuild Fort Myers. When we came down for 11 days for Hurricane Ian cleanup, we mostly stayed around our neighborhood. It was great to see such community and to get to know our neighbors better as we were all out helping each other. We have not been down to the beach area yet, and although I have seen pictures, I know it’s going to be devastating to see it in person.
Well, Fort Myers, we are strong, and we will be back bigger and better than ever! For now, I count my blessings that we have a beautiful home to enjoy. I am beyond blessed that I have a bed to sleep in and a beautiful view to wake up to.
We wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for all of my friends and family especially the new ones that have joined us this year through all of our adventures. After so many years of loss, I am excited to add new people to our circle. This year take a moment to appreciate what you have. Yes, there may be very hard days and sometimes we don’t understand all the evil around us or why it happens. I guess it’s not for us to understand. I guess all we can do is pass on kindness. Pass on the positive. Pass on love. Tell someone you are thankful for having them in your life. Tell someone you haven’t talked to in years that you still think about them and hope they are doing well.
But before you go to stuff yourself like the Thanksgiving turkey 🙂 take a few minutes to get your blood flowing with this Thanksgiving workout. There is never a wrong time to start eating more healthily or to start a fitness journey. You don’t need to wait until the new year to make a new you! Start now!
Also, as you start your Black Friday shopping or your Cyper Monday spending, don’t forget about my associate links. I would truly appreciate it if you would buy through the links on my blog post or through my Favorites. Happy Shopping!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and weekend. I am blessed to be able to spend it with my family and all of my favorite little ones before heading south for the winter. Thank you for your support in reading this blog and sharing it with your friends. And thank you for always being there for me, especially my Rock. These past few years would not have been possible without all of your love and support. Happy Thanksgiving!!
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