Welcoming My Newest Chapter … A New Mission Statement

I realized this week it has been so long since

I have written.

It was a busy month here with

two graduations

some local traveling

and 

the Fourth of July.

It has been a beautiful whirlwind of activity.

But it's good to home.

I need some grounding time 

in the garden

to reflect

on this newest chapter

that has begun.

With my youngest graduating

from high school

my full time mothering days

are far behind me.

The 'proverbial empty nest'

that has been approaching for years

has come.

And I am here now to

 welcome it's arrival

a far, far cry

from four years ago

when the process began.

I realize now

the idea of 

'an empty nest'

has more to do with my personal focus

than who is actually living in the house.

It is a refocusing of an outlook.

Realizing that all of my children are of adult age now

with lives to fulfill on their own

whether it be under the same roof or not.

They have their own souls

and

 life lessons to learn.

As do I.

I have completed some 

really important chapters in my life

and 

now it is onto the new!

I finally couldn't be happier 

with this newest chapter to be opened.

At my age

and 

at this point in my life

it is time to ask my self

"What legacy do I want to leave behind?"

"How can I make these years count?"

What other  healthful choices do I need

 to integrate into my life

so this body that is my vehicle

for life

can be maximized for the years to come.

I know I want to leave 

a legacy of love and encouragement.

I know by now

 at times

 life is hard on us all

so

kindness

grace

love

 and

 encouragement

really do matter.

I know now I have no desire to 'retire'

but rather 

design a life

where work and play

are intermingled

in  passionate creativity.

I know as this newest chapter opens

it is time to write a new

life mission statement.

Being at an age 

where there is  reality of an end 

is the perfect reminder

to relish each day.

How can I make each day count?

To remember to focus on a bigger picture

not to lose days and years

on lists and tasks

is an always elusive

pursuit of perfect.

I know I want to encourage 

myself

and others

That there can be so much good 

yet to come at this  stage.

I am old enough to realize

there too will be loss

but I want to summon the courage

to be brave

and

 always

be all in
 in life

just as I was in parenting.

I want to wake up excited each day
for the opportunity
to style my life with
with love and joy
and
always be reminded
to look for ways
to be of help
where I can.

I welcome my newest life chapter

with open arms

and

an open heart.

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you design and style 

your life