As we move into a new, fresh year, I’m compelled to share some thoughts.
Every new year I begin with certain goals and intentions in mind. I look at the prior year’s lessons that can be improved upon, and reflect on the little victories that can be expanded upon. I think about the people who have changed my life in one way or another, and the new relationships I’ve formed as well as those I’ve released. I aim not to live my life with any regrets so I usually assess moments that I could have been braver, stronger, kinder and fearless. This year has been full of all kinds of those moments. I’ve been blessed to connect with women who are changing the world, who are fighting for their lives, and who are struggling to find their place in this world. I’ve let go of relationships that we’re becoming toxic even though it felt impossible to say goodbye. I set boundaries in some relationships to keep myself or those I love “safe”, and reopened my heart to some relationships that I felt were over.
I use those moments to set new goals for myself, but, I allow room for life’s continually changing path to shape me in ways I hadn’t planned. One of our biggest heartbreaks of 2018, the loss of my mother-in-law, will become a non profit to help others in 2019 at fortheloveofdixiecom. My husband’s illness and near death from starting a statin drug has made me a very vocal advocate for using food as medicine.
Ultimately I am grateful to step into each new year with an opportunity to change the world around me, to make someone’s life a little better, and to share my lessons with whomever needs to hear them.
If you’re reading this right now, know that you have been part of my journey in one way or another, whether or not we have officially met. I am so grateful to you for your participation and your connection. I hope 2019 brings you what you’re dreaming of, and that you have an opportunity to look at your life and consider it full of great moments.
“Just walk with me on this path and allow the light that is inside of us to lead the way. “
-JM Storm
3 comments
Jill, thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt reflections. Yes, this is a new year, new possibilities and new opportunities. Really excited for you this next year, expanding your business as a franchise. My best wishes for a beautiful 2018!
Love your store! Also love how personable you and your staff are. Thank you!
Cindy Saunders
Happy New Year Jill!
Claudine Wildman
Jill, what a lovely post full of wise insights! Thank you so much for sharing. I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. I lost mine in November 2014, and it absolutely broke my heart in ways that I never expected. My life was so much more blessed for having her come into it, and I’m very grateful that I had the awareness and opportunity to tell her that a few months before she left us. It was very important for me to tell her how much she’d meant to me, and I know that many times we don’t think to do that until it’s too late.
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s illness, and I wish him well on his healing journey. My husband had a terrible reaction to Lipitor a few years ago and quit taking it instantly and went for several more years without anything to treat his high cholesterol. He started taking a different statin in the last year that he has been able to tolerate, but I agree with you in that food should be our first choice of medicine whenever possible. We are striving to eat healthier in 2019.
Thank you for being a part of my life, too. I appreciate you and your team so very much, and I’m very much committed to the message that you strive to bring to women of all shapes, sizes, and everything else. We are ALL beautiful, and I hope to have the opportunity to introduce other ladies to JAD in 2019.
Amy Newkirk