Every year for the New Year I choose a word that has meaning for me. In 2016 my word was Joy. I wanted to find more Joy in my life. I did so by ensuring that everything I did with my family, friends, and work had an element of fun. I was able to find joy in a new career change, in my exercise regimen, in my family life, and with my friends. I even got back my joy of running again.
This year the word Strength presented itself to me when I was out on a casual run. Over the summer I began strength training with weights again and found new love with it. I used to do it all the time 20 years ago. But once I began running more seriously, my weight training took a back burner. This summer I found that balance again, and the weight training has been helpful with my running. 
But the word strength doesn’t just mean the physical strength I want to gain. I also want to be a stronger person emotionally. I want to feel more confident and I want my kids to see that in me. My daughter has been struggling with her confidence this past fall, and quite honestly, I feel that I may have been as well. I started a new job in July which did bring me great joy; but it also brought me new challenges. I am working for a company that I really wanted to work for and I am doing things I have never done before. I am on that edge of discomfort because I am learning while doing; but don’t always feel like my knowledge is up to par with my peers. I am always comparing myself to others, and that is not always recommended because there are things that I can bring to the table that they may not be able to. 

I have also been challenged with a very difficult emotional experience recently. My son’s best friend and a friend to everyone in our small community has been fighting cancer since she was around 2 years old. 

We met her when she and Kevin were in kindergarten together. They were in the same class up until 3rd grade but they were fast friends.  

She went in for surgery just before Thanksgiving and just came home Monday to be with her family and pets. She came home because she is not doing well. Her father has told us the news, and now I have to find the strength to hold our family together during this very, very difficult emotional time. It will be the first time my children are going to go through an experience like this; and of course for us as well, given that she is just 9 years old.

If anyone has been an example of someone who is strong it is our friend Lyla. She has been through so much and always has a smile on her face and never lets it crush her spirit.  She is someone I want to aspire to be like. 

We love you Lyla!!