shariew

Moving the Journey Onward…Sounds so dramatic doesn’t it. Most of us at least once in our lives have come to a point where we have had to make a decision to move forward, turn back, or choose a new direction. It is just how life is. I am making a series of those decisions now, and I thought I would take you with me. (I started this post in October of 2022….just now finishing it.)

Winding Down 2022

This year has been a twisting journey. Blessings and Trials with each breath. Chronic Illnesses, pain, finding friends, recovering from isolation (thanks pandemic), recovering from Covid and the long term effects. Watching my last child leave home and thrive. So many good things and so many hard things. With each one I had a chance to crumble or thrive. I think a did a little of both this year.

Chronic Illness & Pain

I have Psoriatic Arthritis an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, migraines, and hot flashes. I think the hot flashes are the worst. My illnesses are invisible. If you look at me you would never know. Occasionally I look really tired, but that is it for outward appearance only. I let these illnesses and issues take away my joy. It is hard to fight without joy. Now I look for it. I look for it in the dawn, sunset, and the beauty that surrounds you if you look. I look for it in the successes and failures of trying new things. The hardest part, is when I am really sick and get told “You don’t look sick, suck it up.”, or some thing along those lines.

Finding Friends

I did not realize how socially isolated I had become due to my illnesses, and the pandemic until I went to a really great church and made really good friends (IN PERSON), I have my sisters from college, and high school friends that Facebook has allowed me to remain in touch with, but it is not the same thing as being in person feeling a connection with someone.

Moving on…

My last child moved away. As a parent you feel joy, pain, pride, and sadness. All balled up into one. I am so proud of all three of my children, their spouses, and the bright and beautiful future ahead for each of them.

This blog was written at the end of 2022, please look at my series where we continue journeying down this road called life.