southern fried gal

It would be easy to look back at you and call you ugly names and say not-so-nice things about you. No matter how bad it seems you were, deep down inside I realize you were necessary. Had I not experienced your valleys I would have gone on living my graceless life.

You taught me to swallow pride and accept help from others. You helped me realize (much to my surprise) that Type A is NOT the way. Taking time to care for myself is not a selfish act. It’s OK to have a good sobbing cry – it’s actually HEALING to do so. NO is not a four letter word. And perfectionism is the enemy of living.

The most important and possibly hardest lesson to learn was this: The only choices that I have 100% control over are my own. That is powerful. This one took a while to sink in but you kept giving me chances to learn this truth. I’m so glad you did as it has been so liberating! This rings true in every aspect of my life and especially so in my parent/child relationship. Even God gives his children the freedom to choose. What a revelation!

So, 2010, you will not be logged as a favorite year for obvious reasons. However I do believe I will be able to look back on you in a few years and see how you launched me into the best decade ever. I now enter 2011 with inner confidence as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother and child of God. For that I thank you. Farewell 2010.

Sincerely,

Southern Fried Gal