I wrote yesterday about a book I really enjoyed called A Year to Remember. Today, I hope you enjoy this guest post from the author of that fine book, Shelly Bell. Thanks Shelly for stopping by ToBeThode!
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Like Sara, the protagonist of A Year to Remember, my younger brother got married before me. I panicked when in my late twenties, I didn’t have a serious boyfriend and I spent the next couple of years doing everything I could to make it happen. On my thirtieth birthday, I melted down on a trip with my mother. I was ready to find “the one.” What was taking him so long? A few months later when I stopped looking, my husband found me. We dated for four months before we got engaged and got married six months later. My son was born nine months to the day of our wedding (I swear, he was a honeymoon baby!). Seventeen months later, our daughter was born. I have the life I’d dreamed of when I was a crazy thirty year old searching for true love.
And now I’m turning forty. Yes, next month, I will spend my birthday with my parents, husband, and two children. I couldn’t be happier. Instead of panicking, I’m content. Knowing my husband would try and plan a surprise party, I asked for what I wanted- I’m going to cook a hibatchi dinner for him and six of my friends. I want to show them how much I appreciate them. I would have never have considered such a thing at thirty. At that time, it was all about me and my wants. So what changed?
The changes definitely began when I admitted I was a compulsive overeater and joined a twelve-step program. It’s helped me to learn humility. But I think having children spurred the most change. For the first time in my life, I had to consider someone else’s needs before my own. I look at things through the eyes of a six year old and somehow, I don’t take things quite as seriously. Every day is a joy, even those days which provide great challenges. I no longer take anyone or anything for granted. I’m content with my life.
A couple years ago, I decided that I missed having a creative outlet. I thought about joining a choir or auditioning for a play, but I didn’t want to do anything that would take me out of the house at night. My husband suggested I try writing fiction since I loved to read. I played around with a couple of ideas until the right ones came to me. I wrote A Year to Remember quickly. It was a story which begged to be told. Since then, my life has changed dramatically. I’m fulfilled. I have everything I’ve ever wanted. What could be better than that?
I’m looking forward to the next decade and can’t wait to see what changes it brings!
Kat Wesley says
Thanks for sharing the wonderful changes in your life.
Nikki Lyclic says
I enjoy reading your wonderful life. Good luck and wish you can get wonderful changes this year.
Samantha says
Thanks for being in the tour!