Posted on by Belinda O

Resolutions and Revelations: Two Years Later

october-2016Two years ago today, I opened my WordPress account and posted my first post. The page was bare; I later added a small picture, but there were no graphics, no widgets, no header photo, nothing. Black words on a white page. I got three views and much later, one like.

It wasn’t until the following May I really put effort into this blog, and began the design you see now. I went through multiple headers and a few themes before landing here. I added the premium plan because I began to have ideas I couldn’t achieve with the free option (something I’m glad I did) and eventually started two more blogs, one for classic movie reviews (Classic for a Reason) and one for knitting.

But some things haven’t changed. My first post still rings with truth, although I’ve changed and grown in the two years since I wrote it. I was in pain that day, and you may be able to sense that when you read it. I’ve gotten past that pain, but the lessons still apply.

A large part of my growth has come through the process of writing about my experience, beliefs and dreams for the future. This blog doesn’t have a theme (one of topics, that is) like my other two do, and it’s likely to evolve over time. Just as I do.

So here’s the original post, just as I wrote it then. Many of you likely haven’t seen it, but I know some of you did when I re-posted it this day last year, and a handful of you perhaps read it the very first time.

Blessings to all of you!

resolutions and revelations

you bought me the book

I’m not motivated by New Year’s Resolutions. No surprise there, most people aren’t. No surprise what does motivate me either: trying to impress someone important to me is always a big one. Problem is, that comes and goes. Here’s the reason that actually works: finally realizing my life is truly better and I’m going to attract better things when I do things the right way. And typically it has taken failure in my life, and some humiliation, to get to that realization.

My friends say, oh, we each worry about those things a lot more than others do. After all, we have to live with our own failings, our stupidity, our repeated efforts to resolve what’s gone wrong with yet one more foolish gesture.

Right now I’m faced with what seems to me to be huge failure brought on by circumstances I had no control over. Wisdom from others tells me to learn to control what I can and live with what I can’t, but what I can’t control has taken over and felled me. Now I need to stand up and return to where I was only a short time ago. But will I fall again? Probably. That which I do not control will always be with me, and I fear that those I care about will leave me.

So I must do what I can to perhaps ward off the beast that follows me everywhere for longer than before. I must learn from this and pray I have another chance that will allow me to succeed. I weep at the thought I won’t, and realize I now have little control over that, but in and of itself there could stand a truth I need to learn. Truth that belies what I have held so dear for so long.

I face difficult yet not insurmountable odds. I tell myself I can take advantage with hard work and fierce resolve, with fortitude and purpose. No trite quotes for me, but strength of mind and character prevail. This year was better than last. I can’t guarantee next year will be better than this, but I’m hopeful it will be.

18 Replies to “Resolutions and Revelations: Two Years Later”

  1. I’m so glad you’ve been able to change and grow as a result of the painful experience you endured. I want to wish you a wonderful holiday and all the best in 2017, Belinda. I enjoy your blog and really appreciate your honesty and warmth. 🙂

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  2. Such a powerful post….it is evidence of great resolve and a triumphant spirit yet to be discovered….you were so brave, and you find yourself here, two years later…able to reflect on how far you’ve come. I’m really happy for you, and inspired by you…thank you for sharing–and, in doing so–giving encouragement to others 🙂

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  3. Belinda, thank you for sharing your journey; I’m happy for you that things have improved for you. Trials do strengthen our characters – although they are obviously not seen as a good thing when they happen. Life can be cruel.
    Wishing you and your kitties a positive 2017! xox M

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  5. It’s been so rewarding reading your heartfelt posts about life good and bad, your spot-on, detailed movie reviews – I enjoy all your writing. I certainly “get” the morphing of your blogging. Mine is very fluid these days for sure. I have my share of concerns and fears for the future but know I…we…are far, far from alone in that mindset. Belinda, congrats on two years and here’s to many, many more!

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