Happy 2020! A new decade, a new year, a new month and a new day! A clean slate all around….
It seems weird writing a blog post today since it has been about a month or so since my last one. For my regular readers, I am sorry I did not give you a heads up. I needed a break after 6+ years of writing, I was empty. I didn’t think I had anything more to say. I’m still not sure I do but we will see what 2020 brings….
Last night I saw all of the posts talking about the last decade and it got me to thinking. At first, I stressed over what I couldn’t remember then I asked for guidance and some memories came back. So here goes my decade in review….
In 2010, I saw my daughter graduate from college with honors. I was working full-time at a job I loved and commuting crazy hours to get work.
2011 was a roller coaster year. I started my direct sales career with Thirty One. We planned our wedding and after a 9 year engagement walked down the aisle. Edythe, one of the rocks in my life passed away. I retired from my job as COO at Bethel Development. We ended the year with a cruise for our honeymoon with family.
2012 is kind of a blur. Hubby had congestive heart failure and spent 13 days in the hospital. I promoted to Director with Thirty One and walked across the stage to celebrate with my daughter. I spent lots of time trying to figure out what I really wanted to do.
2013 – 2016 were a definitely blur. There was lots of testing to determine what was going on with me. I was losing my memory (even more), leg spasms, depressed, and more I can’t remember. I spend time working part-time jobs at WaWa and Wall Storage. Relapse was a strong part of these years. We planned Belinda’s wedding and celebrated their beautiful day in the mountains of NC. Shopping, spending money, and drinking was my way of filling a void in my life. I got the “unofficial diagnosis of MS” – grateful to finally have answers
2017 started rough as my Dad spent much of his time in the hospital and then passed in April. I started Angels by Hope as an official business. Still looking for ways to fill the void. My MS diagnosis became official and I started on medications (3 times a week injections).
2018 brought the smack in the face I needed to face the unmanageability of my life. Credit card debt was high, income from my business was dropping and I was an emotional mess. I walked back into the rooms of NA in May looking for the joy I once I had.
2019 brought a change in diagnosis to “progressive MS” and with it a cane and a brace for my left ankle. Recovery has been a blessing as I am slowing rebuilding relationships with family. I am blessed to still have both my Thirty One business and Angels by Hope going strong.
So, this is just a glimpse at the last 10 years. I am grateful for Facebook memories and this blog (since March 2013) to help me remember when I can’t.
I have been searching and for a word for 2020. Last year’s was Courage and it definitely fit the year I had. Courage in so many areas of my life to step out on faith, out of my comfort zone. This year’s word didn’t come so easily. I prayed. I took those “word tests”.
My word for 2020 is GRATITUDE! Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.“. I know when I practice gratitude, everything else in my life will be okay. Not just gratitude for the good things but also for the challenges. Through the challenges, I will learn and grow.
Best wishes for a safe healthy and happy New Year.
Hope Wissel 