2013 went too fast.
Last year I decided to do a tender mercies bucket list for 2013. Although, I didn’t complete all of my list I
want to share with you the things I have learned from completing some of my
list. The first on my list was to
identify the person who has inspired me most in my life and write them a
letter. There have been many people who
have inspired me in my life, but the person who has inspired me most is no
longer with us. It’s not shocking to
many of you that that person was my grandmother. She taught me more about life, love, and
happiness than any person I know. As I
look back at my life I can see how the things she taught me has molded me into
who I am today. She passed away in 2006
and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. I know if I even become half the woman she
was my life would be completely successful.
I love you grams.
The second thing on my life was to meet five
strangers on the street and become friends with them. I have been able to get to know several new
people this year and call them friends.
My life has truly been blessed by the people I have added to my life.
The third thing on my list was to go deep into
mother nature and experience a sunrise or set.
I can’t tell you how many sunrises and sunsets I have experienced this
year. I moved to McCall in April of this
year and the beauty of this area has taught me to slow down and appreciate this
magnificent life around me. It’s amazing
to me what nature tells us about life. Nature’s
beauty did not form overnight. Nature
teaches us to be patient and observant. I’ve
never experienced the same sunrise or sunset twice, it’s amazing how the smallest
element of nature beautifies this world we live in. Life is to be enjoyed not just endured.
The fourth on my list is conquer my biggest
fear. This year I have learned to be
more vulnerable to accept life as it is.
To be happy with who I am, and to communicate with others even though
they may not like what I have to say. It
the midst of our darkest hour only then do we recognize our own strength. I’m grateful for the person I am, the person
I am becoming, and the path I am on.
The fifth on my list was to resolve a past grievance. I’m not gonna lie this was a hard one, and I’m
honestly still working on it. What I have
learned about letting go of past hurt is it has opened me up to the greatest
love I have ever known. As I let hurt
out I let love in. I truly believe that
great love heals all wounds. I have had
many discussions and therapy sessions over hurt and past grievances. What I tell others is that letting go doesn’t
mean you have to forgive the person who has wronged you. It means that you have accepted the situation
as it is, and have chosen to make it right for yourself. Life is too short to allow our past hurt to
hold us back from making the life we deserve.
Guess what I’m not perfect. I was unable to complete 7,8,9, and 12 but
they are still on my life bucket list.
One of the greatest things I have learned this year is letting go of my
need to be perfect. It’s been the
greatest thing I’ve ever done.
Eleven on my list was go on a road trip. This year I have been able to have many road
trips and experienced those with my new husband. The biggest road trip was going to Vegas to
get Married (YEA) and California to meet my new family. I’m grateful for the time I spent with those
I love.
2013 has brought many changes and by far has
surpassed all my expectations of joy and love. I continue to be blessed with
the most amazing family in the world. I married the greatest man I have ever
known, and become a mother to the worlds most talented and beautiful children.
I look forward with great anticipation on the many blessings 2014 will bring.
Here's to the ending of an amazing year and the start to a new. skáld!
Love,
Crystal Angel
Love,
Crystal Angel
