I turned another year older last Thursday and it is around this time every year I ensure that I reflect on what I have learned. The years are going by faster and faster, and I have discovered that the older I become, the more lessons there are too be learned. So here goes, in no particular order, my reflections.

I learned from a close friend that a mother’s love can conquer anything. I learned from another friend that a mother’s sacrifice for her child is limitless. I learned how to homeschool two wonderful children and I formed a new appreciation  for teachers and the challenges they face. I learned that bullies come at any age and need to be dealt with swiftly and harshly. I learned that you cannot take everything at face value when it comes to friends. I learned that some friends mean well but they just are not reliable when it comes to the commitment of friendship. I learned that you can find friendships when you least expect it, that friendships can truly last a lifetime and that it is important to value those who value you. I learned that some couples are together for the wrong reasons, some for the right and others are struggling to change the wrong to right. I learned that sometimes love is just not enough to keep a wonderful couple together. I learned that you can grow together as a couple or you can grow apart as a couple but the love can still be there in each instance. I learned that I can learn from other couples just as much as they can learn from me and mine. I learned the importance of a healthy lifestyle, well visits and that exercise is mandatory, not an option. I learned that I am not invincible, that my body just will not allow me to do all I want to do and the simple fact that you can only do so much for yourself and others. I learned I can do with a lot less and that I needed to clean house mentally, physically, and emotionally. I learned to weed out the negative people in my life, let go of the ones who disappoint continuously and those who are around for the wrong reasons. I learned to appreciate who I am, what I stand for and the God given blessings I have in my life and that are no real guarantees, EVER. I learned how to become closer to God and immerse myself more in the Word of God through daily meditation. I learned that each day cannot be faced without the Armor of God and that I sink without my silent repertoire with Him daily. Finally and most importantly, I learned that all throughout this journey called life, I will be forever learning new lessons and it is my responsibility to embrace them and make changes for the better.

I hope this past year has brought you valuable lessons as well. That you realize that it is the little things in life that matter. That no matter where you are at in your life, you are far better off than someone else and that each day is a blessing. I want everyone to realize that success is relative and please do not measure yourself against the unrealistic standards that society tries to place on us as a whole. Please DO YOU, do not imitate someone else and keep your head to the sky and in the Word of God. Find your solace in Him at all times and there will be nothing that can conquer your spirit.

Much love to all those who follow and enjoy my blog. I look forward to having a great novel for you to read in the near future!

And these are my reflections ~ Mara Prose