…… to not be sad.
Is that possible? I used to think, “Of course it is!”
You know …… back in my “before”.
I had no idea that sometimes …… you just can’t choose.
Until I couldn’t.
It seemed to last forever …… the days that I couldn’t choose.
It felt like forever.
A long, dark, cold forever.
But gradually the days became lighter and warmer and I found that I could decide.
Sometimes.
Sometimes turned into most times and most times is where I reside now.
I am able to choose to not be sad.
Which brings me to today.
New Year’s Eve.
I’ve hated New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day for ten years.
For me, it’s worse than the dreaded Valentine’s Day that widowed people abhor so much.
It’s an evening/day when you can feel like such a loser because you’re alone.
It’s an evening/day when loneliness feels magnified.
And trust me …… something as sucky as loneliness shouldn’t be magnified.
Christmas was great.
The apartment was full …… of people and noise.
Lots and lots of noise.
And fun.
But like every year, my children have returned to their homes and their lives.
As they should.
The silence is deafening.
On this night.
I know that for many people, the silence and loneliness on Christmas is worse.
And I know that I’m blessed each year to have most of my children with me for that week.
So I try to be mindful of that.
And thankful.
This year feels no different.
It’s New Year’s Eve and it’s quiet.
And a bit lonely.
I still hate it.
I wish he were here.
In spite of all that, I’m choosing to not be sad.
I’m choosing to be thankful.
Thankful for my children.
And their children.
Thankful for the love in my life.
For the friendships and the family.
Thankful that even though he’s not here …… he was.
But most of all …… I’m thankful that I can choose to not be sad.
Most of the time.
New Year’s Eve 2006 — our last one
My Second Plan A 
❤️
Right back at you, M. ❤
I agree… New Years Eve is the worst night. Even though I am invited to parties, I choose to not go. When midnight strikes I do not want to be the one standing there alone. It only magnifies my sadness. But tomorrow will be better!
Thank you for commenting Linda. And you were right … today is better. ❤
I completely understand. I am finally able to choose joy too. My circumstances are different but similar, and I understand the loneliness of New Year’s Eve, after having a full house at Christmas.
But this year is different and I am so happy that you are in a place filled with gratitude and with choosing joy. I have said many times how much I admire you and your strength. You are an amazing mom, friend and Gigi. I have always thought so. So cheers to you and to this new year – may it be filled with even more things to be grateful for and love that spills over. ❤️
Thank you, Kim. Thank you for your words of encouragement and love. I hope that your new year is just as wonderful. ❤
I agree. This New Years I chose to go to sleep early.
But grateful for Justin. Journaling helps.
Thank you for writing ❤️
I was right there with you, Judy. I went to bed around 10:00. Not because I was sad … just because that’s about my bedtime these days. So pathetic. 🙂 Love you, my friend. ❤