“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” ― Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God
It’s taken me weeks to write this post. I was hoping that by taking a break from the blog and from my “regular” job, I’d be able to answer some questions I’ve been asking myself for an entire year. 2015 was a big ol’ year of questions for me. I asked myself “why” more than I’ve ever asked myself “why” in my entire life. But even after a break, I don’t have any answers. And I suppose it was naive to think that I’d be able to answer life’s questions in a couple of weeks.
Here’s what I do know: I know that for me, 2016 needs to be the year of being brave. I’m not setting any goals or making any resolutions. What I am going to do is focus on one little word: Brave. (Idea shamelessly stolen from the inspiring Ali Edwards.)
I’m going to be 30 this year. (Dear Lord.) And I need to start doing what is right for me instead of what is expected of me. I need to live in the moment and not focus so intently on the future. I need to do the things I’ve dreamed about. I need to be brave.
Here’s hoping 2016 will be a year of answers for me.
Love always,
Melanie
36 was when I realized I had passed the halfway point between 21 and 50 years of age. I suppose at the time 21 seemed like the acknowledged beginning of all things, and 50, well, like the end!! A lot of turmoil hit that year…I am now 46, and a very different person in both good and bad ways. More battle-scarred, but certainly more confident and capable. Maybe your 30 is my 36. Looking back I say damn the torpedoes. Wade right into it. Hell, just jump. You’ll struggle, but when u come back up for air, you are gonna like who you are.
Thanks for your words of wisdom, John!
I have always made lists of my hope, dreams…I did forget sometimes to not be so hard on myself if I did NOT accomplish some of my goals. I believe in BRAVE!…also in FLEXIBILITY!
Flexibility is a good one too!
For what it’s worth, I think it’s incredibly brave that you chose to defy the norm, buy your airstream, and live in it with your husband! And then to blog about it! You are likely much braver than you realize. Also, your blog is one of my favorites. You inspire me to be happy with what I have, to quit wasting so much money keeping up with the Joneses, and to take pleasure in the small things. Happy new year to you! I hope 2016 brings you happiness and success, and some answers to your “whys.”
Thanks! I thought someone might mention that. I do think I’ve taken some steps out of my comfort zone, but I’ve got a long way to go. I still live a very conventional life– not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just something I want to get away from. Thanks so much for reading!
Welcome back from your break.
Are there answers to the really big questions? Can someone or something know what the right thing to do is, or why things happen? Some people tell me the godly within us does. I listen for signs, but I still don’t know if I should have kids, if yes where, why I get excruciating pains when I appear to be completely healthy, and have a very wholesome diet, or why I just can’t be arsed to do the things I thought I wanted to do.
Your questions/situation might be of very different nature.
I’m happy to read your lovely posts if you feel like writing some, otherwise I just wish you the best. May we have harmony 🙂
I very much like your picture. I love water, and clouds very much.
Good to hear from you again! My questions are almost exactly the same. (Plus a few other ones.) It’s good to know I’m not alone with my questions 🙂
I checked a few times while you were offline and am glad to see you back! My resolution is : “Have fun, unwind, and enjoy what life has to offer.” It’s a mouthful but also a reminder to slow down.
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