Hello 2016!

I am not one of those people who believe that a new year equals a fresh beginning.

I've never really understood, why people think that?

Or say it?

Nothing happens at midnight on Jan 1st that changes your life!

All the issues, problems, troubles you had the night before.

You will still have on Jan. 1st.

It really is just another day.

If you had debt. You'll still have it.

If you had an illness, you'll still have it.

If you had bills up to your eyes, an awful job, unruly kids, or a cheating husband.

Chances are.. you're still going to have all those things.

And I know what you're thinking.. well I'm determined to make a change.

Good for you!

But why did you wait until Jan. 1st to do that?

Why didn't you do it June 1st, or Sept 23rd?

I'm also pretty sure you said the exact same thing this time last year!

Waiting on a day to make a change..

that never comes.

I know I am Debbie downer here..

But I'm also realistic.

Then some people say it, because of the emotional struggles they had gone through.

The hurt, the heartbreak, the distress.

But just like above.

Chances are those feelings are not going to change.

You're still going to feel them.

My point is.. there is no better time than now!

I mean..what happens if tomorrow never comes?

If there is one thing I have learned this past year.

These past two days..

You are not promised a tomorrow.

None of us our promised another Jan. 1st!

But we do have today.

So seize it!

This past year, a lot of us, especially those who I've gone to school with,  have lost a few people.

Unexpectedly.

Here one day, gone the next.

And I do not know about you.

But never in million years would I thought that..

Beth Carr

Sheri Heniser

Nathan Coppock..

and I'm sure there are more.

Wouldn't be here on Jan. 1st with the rest of us.

Never in a million years could I imagine the little girl who I met every day before school our third grade year, to make sure our bangs were tall enough. Wouldn't be here with us. Or  the first guy I ever had a crush on, who at times refused to call me anything other than "Randy's little sister". Would not be here today.

It's been really hard to wrap my mind, and heart around..losing both.

Nathan's passing, has brought back Beth's passing.. and the fact that I never really grieved over her.

and I feel like an emotional mess.

So I do not know about you.. but I do not want to wait until tomorrow..

to make a change.

I do not want to live for a day..

that may never come.

I want to live for today!

I have made some of my best decisions

on a whim.

I didn't think

I didn't contemplate anything.

I just did it.

And it always turned out good!

You do not have to wait until a certain day to make that change!

My challenge to you this year,

is not to wait for tomorrow.

Because like I said..

You are not promised a tomorrow.

You're not promised the next 5 minutes.

So stop living as though you're going to see it.

Make sure you let those you love.. KNOW IT! Call your mother, father, brother, and sisters.

Let those friends who are struggling know.. YOU ARE THERE!

Tell your children they are your world.

Let your cousin's know you care.

Pet your dogs, kitties, turtles and fish.

Do by phone, text, e-mail, or plaster it on Facebook!

If you're in a bad relationship.

LEAVE THEM!

If you can't physically leave them.. let them know..emotionally they be gone!

You've only got one live

and you're only promised day to day, hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second..so just breath! (That one is for you Nate)

This one is for Beth!!!