new lessons

One Year Wiser

Twas' a happy birthday. I awoke to gifts wrapped in newspaper by my six-year-old. It was the sweetest thing. She wrapped every piece of jewelry she could find. The jewelry had been given to her in a bag of hand me down clothes from our neighbor. Absolutely adorable! I love my kids, they make me smile.

The age of 34 arrived yesterday, an age that once seemed really old to me. Instead, I’m a bit relieved. As I sat on the front steps last night I thought “It was my 30th birthday that I had my awakening and decided to no longer be married to an alcoholic. And after some  long, dark, and winding roads I have arrived safely at 34. It took four years, but here I am. Much happier, much stronger, and much wiser.”

They say a wise man never wishes to be younger, and I would have to agree with whomever spoke such words of wisdom. I wouldn’t take myself back in time to learn these same lessons. I wouldn’t trade what I know now,  for what I only thought I knew then. Instead, I will remain thankful to have a brain capable of learning, and health that will take me til tomorrow; and hopefully many years to come. So long as God allows these hands to type or this mouth to speak, I will continue to share the lessons.

“Cheers to 34, and being halfway to 68.

Every day that we are blessed with life,

is reason to celebrate.”

© Angela Bininger and The Empowerers, 2009-2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

New Season = New Lessons

I hear the birds singing, and love the way the sun kisses my face as I carry out the trash. Oh how I love the start of a new season. And how grateful I am that spring has arrived! As I walked back in from taking out the trash I thought “Uh Oh, new season = new lessons!” “I wonder what lessons are awaiting me this new season…”

This past season, I learned many things. I met new people, reunited with old friends, and built on existing relationships. I distanced myself from some relationships, and even discarded a few. All of which became a requirement for me to grow more, and find the right path.

I learned to never second guess my intuition, and to never doubt God’s plan. I learned the power of patience, and perseverance. I got to see firsthand the power of prayer and it’s ability to move mountains. That part was beautiful!

The biggest lesson I learned this past season was that “behind every failure is an opportunity for success.” I realized that our plan isn’t always His plan. That it is okay to fall, just get back up and keep pedaling! In order to prevent future falls/accidents, do not look back. Peddle like crazy and look straight ahead. Focus on the goal. (We peddled away for a reason, there is no sense in looking back at something we don’t and won’t miss.)

Now I question although I should not, “What will this new season bring?”

I want this to be my season to plant seeds in hopes for a bountiful harvest in the fall. It is the beginning of a beautiful journey. And a happy ending to a story that was once so sad to me. I predict this to be the season of joy! I feel very good about things, and incredibly optimistic! As my feet hit the floor each morning I feel good! I feel like my life has a purpose. I feel secure with who I am, I feel happy.

Whatever lessons lie ahead in this next season, I have faith I will learn and grow from them. I no longer fear change, I welcome it. With every new season, I embrace this journey even more. I didn’t know when or how I would get here, but faith has brought me here. Faith will either keep me here, or take me to an even higher place. None the less, it is time. And I am ready!

Thank you Lord, for such a beautiful life!