Struggles and Strength...

We all have years that are more trying than others. This has been one of those years for me...
At the time you are being tested, it feels overwhelming. Even so, we must continue on. Once you get through the roughest times, you grow and find strength you never knew you had.
"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."
- Napoleon Hill
The future is an unknown gift. Looking back 18 years ago, I never would have guessed I would be returning to school. Especially just a few years shy of age 40. I cannot begin to imagine where my life will be another 18 years from now.
I can say this job has changed me! I have had to come out of my shell, so to speak. I am somewhat a homebody, I don't like being in the public eye. With this job, you have to be.
I can thank all the readers of this column for building me up. I have never received so many compliments before. Who knew I could write, let alone have people find it interesting!
My time here is quickly coming to an end. I only have one column left following this.
The closer that time comes, the more I feel myself reverting back to that shy, quiet homebody.
This is not the first time I have ventured off on my own, and I won't be completely alone this time. I have dear friends that will be in the area, but I will be without my kids. This just means I need to buckle down and get it done.
I have to say I have gained the most strength from my kids. I hope they always realize how much they mean to me, and how much they have enriched my life. I am so proud of them.
Years from now when they look back at this time, I hope they are proud of me, as well.
I also hope they learn as I have;
—You have to be kind to others. Smile at people, build others up. In turn it will build you up, strengthen your character.
—Be a light in this world, shine on all the darkness.
—Know your worth, and take nothing less.
—Accept some things for what they are, improve what needs to be improved.
—Don't settle and don't let yourself get stuck.
—At some point, others will try and get in your head and bring you down; don't let them.
—Know the truth and live it.
—Love yourself.
—When life gets you down, you must realize it is only temporary; this too shall pass.
—Push yourself to experience and learn new things.
—Wear sunscreen.
—Your heart will hurt numerous times throughout your life; it will be filled with happiness again.
—You are not broken.
—You are beautiful.
—No one is perfect, but in my eyes, you are the closest thing to it.
—You mean the world to me and are the reason behind everything I do.
To those reading this, tell yourself these things also.
This is not a forever goodbye. This is me trying to calm my nerves and tie up loose ends.
If you see my kids while I am gone, smile at them. If you know them, give them a hug. They are such good kids.
Wish me luck, starting over is hard and scary. I am not brave, I am just doing what I feel I need to do. I am building myself back up.