Hi friends. I still can’t fully wrap my head around the fact that my dad is really gone. There are just some things in life that take a while to digest, and that piece of information is one of them. In the meantime, I need normalcy.
I had a lot of big plans for January. For 2016, actually. I take New Years seriously. I’m one of those people who make yearly goals, I game plan, I make big decisions about what my year will look like. But then life happened, and it would be easy for me to chalk the entire year up to a loss. I mean, how can a year that started out with my dad dying possibly be good?
But there’s a lesson in there somewhere. About how you can have all the plans in the world, but you can’t prepare for the unexpected. I never expected my dad to die. And if you had a conversation with me before December 30th, you would have heard me tell you that 2016 was going to be an amazing year. I had big dreams, friends. Big plans.
But writing your father’s obituary will do something to your insides. Twist them up. Flip them upside down. An entire life in just a few paragraphs. The highlights. The dreams that became realities. The goals that became accomplishments. And if that doesn’t motivate the shit out of you, nothing ever will.
So January is for the loss. An extension for 2015. A moment to breathe. Mourn. Feel the loss. Gather the thoughts. Find the meaning.
Maybe the new year caught you off guard too. Maybe you didn’t quite have the footing you thought you’d have. Maybe you need more time. Me, too.
So join me. This year, my New Year, will start on Feb. 1st. And instead of being in bed at 9PM only to wake the next morning with swollen eyes and a sad heart, I’m popping the champagne and toasting to one kick ass year.
Because friends? This is your life. My life. And we have a say in how it goes. If you don’t like something, change it. If you want something, do something about it. Mute the voice that keeps telling you you can’t. Because you can. And I can. And we will.
I love that you see January as just an extension of 2015. I think January gets a bad rap because people usually flounder with all their lofty resolutions (think: the gym being empty again by February 1st).
Start February 1st!
Excited to see what your goals are. I downloaded a "goal-setting guide" ha ha.
That's the right attitude! I'm still praying for you but I know you got this! Happy New Year (when it comes) 🙂
Love your attitude, and cheers to an amazing February for you gurlie. Sending you lots of *hugs* <3
I could never tell you how much I admire your constant strength, courage, and honesty. My heart still aches for your loss. But, I know you can still make 2016 a good year!
xoxo
Kat
Your attitude about 2016 is outstanding and perfect! Let's make February 1st the new January 1st. You are darn right we can do this! For you, I wish that all your big dreams come true this year!
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad and I loved reading this post. I totally agree with your take on January being an extension of 2015 so you can celebrate next month and move forward with the goals you intended to have.
I think this is an amazing thing to do! It is so important to give yourself time to mourn, reflect, and look ahead. I see no problem with you beginning your new year on February 1st. Isn't the Chinese New Year at the beginning of February?? You won't be alone! 🙂
This is the perfect way to handle the lemons handed to you at the start of 2016. I'll be at a work party (at a brewery) on the 31st, so I'll be toasting to your new year as well. Hugs and hang in there.
I absolutely love your attitude!
What an amazing attitude to have! My year started off pretty bad last year, and I kind of chalked it up to a loss for the whole year. Definitely could have used reading this last year…but keeping it in mind just the same this year if something big happens again.
I love your plans and your attitude towards the year! Please know that I'm continuing to keep your family in my thoughts.
Hollie | hollieshighlights.blogspot.co.uk
love your attitude girl. i hope january is okay and your new year in feb starts off fabulously. i will join you in the champagne drinking, as that starts my birthday month (and it's my little bro's bday).
I absolutely love this post!! (I'm so behind on blogging.. ugh). This is an unfortunate part of life but your dad will always be with you in spirit and I know you can make this the best year yet! Way to stay positive 🙂
I love your attitude girl. So needed that last year. I still do at times, and yes, perhaps it is exactly what I needed to read today to make this year fantastic. I worried it wouldn't be great. I had big plans for 2015 and then it got shattered, now with 2016 I am worried I will experience something similar. 🙁 So thank you for writing and sharing this. This totally made my day!
I'm totally up for a New New Year's Eve toast via Skype on January 31st.
Joey, my heart is broken for you. I can't even imagine. I would be in bed all day with puffy eyes, as well. You have a great attitude, though I know it must be so so hard.