2018
As I close out 2018 and look forward to 2019 I can't help but feel an overwhelming amount of thankfulness and end this year with a single word: Blessed.
The year did not start with a feeling of thankfulness and honestly blessed was the not part of my January. In fact I started this year with a mixed bag of emotions and most of them not very pleasant. I began this year with a lot of feelings of hurt and pain. I was about to embark on the biggest change of my life.
I quit my job in HR as of February and went to work for my wife in March as the Operations Manager of her quickly growing business, Wholistic Therapeutic Services. I had worked in HR for over 17 years and had honestly thought that would be where I retired but circumstances dictated that I had to make some changes and with a huge push Lexi and I felt it was the right time for a very big change in my career.
2018 saw her business grow from a 2 person office to ending in December with a 6 person office and a change of address into a much bigger facility. We have been overwhelmed with God's favor and blessing this year. To say the growth was miraculous would be an understatement. We are still trying to catch up to the blessings God has given us this year.
Another major change for me this year was becoming a much more active dad with my girls. We had so many issues with after school care for the girls and it was a big issue and with the burgeoning cost we were looking for options. When school commenced we made the decision that I would pick them up from school and handle homework and after school extracurricular activities with the kids. This change has made me re-think what it means to be an 'active' participant with my kids. I have had and still work through feelings of 'what am I doing' when it comes to dealing with the kids and the afternoon routines. Where Lexi handled it with grace I am doing my best and sometimes my best doesn't seem to be good enough. I will say that I am coming to appreciate this time with the girls. I remind myself often that they aren't these ages but once and I need to put myself and my selfish desires aside in lieu of making memories and giving them quality time with dad.
Another key adventure for 2018 has been my foray into mediation. Having dealt with conflict over the past 10 years in my various roles in Human Resources and with the many trainings, courses, and experiences I have had I came to understand that mediation is not much different than dealing with parties on a college campus. After all dealing with Faculty, Administration, Students and Staff can prepare you for anything!
I quickly found the requisite training that I needed to have in order to register with the state as a mediator (neutral) and completed all of this training. I have made strides to become registered with my local court circuit and am creating networking opportunities to get myself 'out there'. I can't thank my wife enough for her gentle nudge and overall support in this venture. She has been my consummate cheerleader.
As I sit here on the cusp of a new year I am feeling much more appreciation for my past and anticipation and positivity for my future and my family's future.
I was looking at several things today that have me feeling especially blessed. I received a book that a friend wrote who has endured so much but she chooses to smile and move forward. I received a christmas card from a different friend that is enjoying her retirement and we stay connected via social media. I read a post from yet another friend on instagram and she blesses me so much with her candor and honesty and grace. I spoke on the phone with a family member who is a living testament to miracles still happen.
I ate dinner tonight with my family around a beautifully given dinner table. I cooked our meal in a gift given me by my family. We sat at the table and enjoyed great conversation and I loved every minute. My girls are 6, 7 and 10. They may not remember new year's eve 2019 but I hope I never forget how I felt this day.
I am one very lucky man. I have too many friends to count. I have family I love and they love me. I have new opportunity that I am looking forward to beginning. What a great country I live in that affords me such blessings. Yes Thankful and Blessed sum up my life at present.
I wish all the best to all of my friends and family. I hope your 2019 is full of life, love, laughter and more blessings than you can stand. Happy New Years to one and all!
jamie
The year did not start with a feeling of thankfulness and honestly blessed was the not part of my January. In fact I started this year with a mixed bag of emotions and most of them not very pleasant. I began this year with a lot of feelings of hurt and pain. I was about to embark on the biggest change of my life.I quit my job in HR as of February and went to work for my wife in March as the Operations Manager of her quickly growing business, Wholistic Therapeutic Services. I had worked in HR for over 17 years and had honestly thought that would be where I retired but circumstances dictated that I had to make some changes and with a huge push Lexi and I felt it was the right time for a very big change in my career.
2018 saw her business grow from a 2 person office to ending in December with a 6 person office and a change of address into a much bigger facility. We have been overwhelmed with God's favor and blessing this year. To say the growth was miraculous would be an understatement. We are still trying to catch up to the blessings God has given us this year.
Another major change for me this year was becoming a much more active dad with my girls. We had so many issues with after school care for the girls and it was a big issue and with the burgeoning cost we were looking for options. When school commenced we made the decision that I would pick them up from school and handle homework and after school extracurricular activities with the kids. This change has made me re-think what it means to be an 'active' participant with my kids. I have had and still work through feelings of 'what am I doing' when it comes to dealing with the kids and the afternoon routines. Where Lexi handled it with grace I am doing my best and sometimes my best doesn't seem to be good enough. I will say that I am coming to appreciate this time with the girls. I remind myself often that they aren't these ages but once and I need to put myself and my selfish desires aside in lieu of making memories and giving them quality time with dad.
Another key adventure for 2018 has been my foray into mediation. Having dealt with conflict over the past 10 years in my various roles in Human Resources and with the many trainings, courses, and experiences I have had I came to understand that mediation is not much different than dealing with parties on a college campus. After all dealing with Faculty, Administration, Students and Staff can prepare you for anything!
I quickly found the requisite training that I needed to have in order to register with the state as a mediator (neutral) and completed all of this training. I have made strides to become registered with my local court circuit and am creating networking opportunities to get myself 'out there'. I can't thank my wife enough for her gentle nudge and overall support in this venture. She has been my consummate cheerleader.
As I sit here on the cusp of a new year I am feeling much more appreciation for my past and anticipation and positivity for my future and my family's future.
I was looking at several things today that have me feeling especially blessed. I received a book that a friend wrote who has endured so much but she chooses to smile and move forward. I received a christmas card from a different friend that is enjoying her retirement and we stay connected via social media. I read a post from yet another friend on instagram and she blesses me so much with her candor and honesty and grace. I spoke on the phone with a family member who is a living testament to miracles still happen.
I ate dinner tonight with my family around a beautifully given dinner table. I cooked our meal in a gift given me by my family. We sat at the table and enjoyed great conversation and I loved every minute. My girls are 6, 7 and 10. They may not remember new year's eve 2019 but I hope I never forget how I felt this day.
I am one very lucky man. I have too many friends to count. I have family I love and they love me. I have new opportunity that I am looking forward to beginning. What a great country I live in that affords me such blessings. Yes Thankful and Blessed sum up my life at present.
I wish all the best to all of my friends and family. I hope your 2019 is full of life, love, laughter and more blessings than you can stand. Happy New Years to one and all!
jamie
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