2026 Here We Come

As 2025 winds down and we celebrate the holidays, I'm taking special note as to how different life has become over the last 12 months.  During this holiday season, I've been reflecting heavily on the past; the what Was's, the What Could Be's, the Whatever's.  Therefore to end 2025, we're going to look back, look ahead and stay in the present as we say goodbye to the year that was.

Frankly, to state up front, I'd give anything for one more Christmas with my family.  I'd give my eye teeth to sit in a room with my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, listening to the conversations, and hearing their voices once again. They're all gone now but for a couple of first cousins and of course my sister.  Sadly, I took for granted those times we spent together and wish I had more pictures from those days of old.  Looking through my pictures when I packed up and moved, I did not find one picture of my mom and I together in later years.  I have tons with my dad (Mom was always the photographer) but never one of just she and I.  If I could go back, I'd get a bunch taken with her to remember that place in time.   I have no pictures of my paternal grandparents with me either.  They died when I was young, but I remember them fondly and also remember standing for pictures.  Where did the pictures go?  Why are they not in the numerous boxes I found when Mom died?  Oh how I wish for one more time with them as well as I have so many questions, but not one picture.  What was, was but oh how I wish...

The what Is's goes without saying.  Friendships that could have been great, a marriage that could have been so much more fulfilling, past loves that could not stand the test of time.  Looking back, so much of it was my fault, my lack of attentiveness  and self awareness.  These are traits I need to improve in order to move forward in my life.  There were mismatches to be sure and I should have had the patience to accept them for what they were.  These what could Be's are sadly also in the past and remembered possibly not quite as well as I wish they could have been.    The what could Be's are simply now, sad memories, places in time that are no longer.  Now I use my love, patience, understanding and forgiveness as I play the waiting game for the next chapter. 

Therefore, this final blog of 2025 calls out my need to remember the past, as it's called the past for a reason.  The future is calling but not here yet so the challenge is to live in the present.  My life here in Central Florida is the perfect way to end a year of challenges and new beginnings.  This is where I plan to stay for the duration as I like it here.  It's late December and the very warm sun is shining, the birds are singing and my plants are potted for the winter.  Everything here is topsy turvy as in years past, we potted in April and planted our gardens after Mother's Day.   In the PNW, it's cold, raining and power outages are real.  Here in Orlando, it's the exact opposite and I love it (sorry Toni)!  I feel revitalized, alive and excited for what's next.  I've placed a few challenges on myself to move forward.  The 4 listed are just the beginning.  

1.  Return to the church and Bible study.  I've signed up for a year course with Father Mike Schmitz.  I bought the study book and my plan is to begin fresh on January 1.  I have signed up for his daily podcasts as they revolve around the study.  My return to the original church after 35 years has been a blessing to me.  I forgot how much peace of mind I had when I used to go to Mission San Gabriel.  That peace is still with me, but in a new more mature fashion.

2.  Journaling and blogging regularly is another challenge I've set for myself.  I got away from both over this last year or so and now I'll be back to boring my friends with my thoughts and ideas.  I'm also not staying away from current events or frankly politics.  It's time we bloggers and podcasters (I'm not a podcaster) speak our minds from our hearts.  The world is changing and it's time to speak up and be the voices of reason in a world that is falling into hell.  I will journal every day and set my intentions daily to live out my truth.

3.  I intend to be a better friend and sibling.  I will no longer be complacent as we are only gifted our siblings once.  Life is too short and at age 70, who knows how much longer we all have!  I also plan to be held accountable for my lack of staying in touch.  Each conversation could be our last so now's the time to reach out and treasure those we hold dear.  

4.  Finally,  I will step out of my comfort zone and meet new people.  I live in a vibrant community with lovely neighbors.  It's time I join in the fun and stop being a hermit.  I'm naturally shy so this is a huge step for yours truly as I'm comfortable in my pj's at 7:30pm.  My new normal will now be in my PJ's  by 9:00pm as I'll be playing bingo or walking the neighborhood!  My new Disney annual pass will pull me out of the house and will allow me to go to Mickey's house and experience the fun.

So here's to the future as we move forward.  2026 has the potential to be a fantastic year for those of us who are awake.  I woke up years ago and continue to be amazed at life, the world and what's beyond us.  Here's to what was, what is and what will be.  Cheers my friends to a marvelous 2026.