Sometimes, when things go wrong, despite our best and well-meant intentions, all we can do is be grateful for new beginnings and to continue striving for kindness and growing stronger in love. Life happens and sometimes it can get messy.

Recently, my unconditional love has been questioned as my tough love was not wanted, welcomed, or accepted – at least, not yet. As a mother, all I can do is pray. This is how I have felt and dealt with tough stuff long before I ever chose any religion to worship God or the higher power I knew existed just from being so amazingly alive.

Since I was a young child, I knew there had to be something bigger than me. And I still believe it more than ever.

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At this point in time, and as part of a new goal to keep things and life short and sweet, I can only hope that my prayers will be answered. In the meantime, let me cover a few things that I continue to think and feel strongly about:

Social Media: Do not take the bait (speaking in reference to scams and spam). Do not click on anything that looks suspicious. Do not answer spam calls. Question everything, no matter how improbable it may seem.

Fitness: Move your body. Always strive for some fitness every day, even if it’s just a few extra steps. You won’t regret it and you will feel better.

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Word of the Year: Grateful. I am forever grateful for the family I have. My husband. My son. My daughter-in-love. My grandchildren. My pets. My mother, that we have mended our relationship along the way. My siblings. My friends. My home. My many material blessings. And this amazing body, mind, heart, and soul that I strive constantly to improve and grow in love and wisdom.

Goal of the Year: Kindness. That I will not let the confusion and misunderstandings of many dissuade me from being my better self and rising above to a place of kindness to others in need of love, support, and connection.

Phrase of the Year: Stronger in Love. That I have the courage to always LOVE despite someone else’s idea of how I should be loving – or not.

Intention of the Year: Better Fitness. That I take time to do something toward a healthier me, whether it’s drinking more water, taking a longer walk, or doing meditation.

My Quote of the Year is: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” (Neale Donald Walsch) Sometimes that comfort zone needs shaken up a bit. It is my desire that my comfort zone match yours. To do this, good communication is important. Love must conquer ego. And truths must be met with the desire to be open, show respect, and grow toward connectedness.

May we all strive to keep loving, keep smiling, and keep growing in the direction we each need. And may we always, always be grateful.

Love & hugs, Virg