Some say they like to start off the New Year with a bang. Last year, mine began with a Nuclear Blast. In a 15-day time span at the beginning of 2009, my divorce was finalized, my daughter moved away, my husky Kola died, my Father died, my business was at a standstill and I was in a relationship that officially didn’t exist. If there ever was a Dark Night of the Soul, this was mine…and it was hell, to be quite honest. I learned a lot about myself, and a lot of what I learned I didn’t like. I had a choice…to learn from what was happening and grow, or stay where I was and be a victim. I chose to grow…I chose to be honest with myself and see things for what they were.

Here is what I learned…

Each day, we are given a new chance at life, with fresh hopes, fresh dreams, new choices and mercy…LOTS of mercy! The beginning of each new week presents us with 168 brand-new opportunities to create the life we want…and if we don’t, it’s no one’s fault but our own. I discovered that most people are genuinely caring at some level. The outpouring of grace, understanding and prayers I received was overwhelming…in a good way. It served as a lifeline of sorts…along with some special friends who were really there for me in the darkest hours.

I also came to realize that all of it…all that was going on…was a giant mirror, reflecting back to me what was really going on inside me. It was an outward reflection of who I was inside, and boy, what a mess I was! And while some would like to hold me in that space of who I was, I have some great news to share about who I AM as a result of that journey…

I am an overcomer, not a survivor. I am a better person. I have a greater spiritual depth and understanding. I am not defined by what others think of me. I am a romantic with a lot of love to share and receive. I am a single Dad who loves his girls and wants the best for them. I am an artist full of creativity to express the world from my perspective. I am a teacher with something of value to share. I am an entrepreneur who genuinely wants to see his friends and customers succeed.

But most of all…

I learned that I am lovable and am loved. I believe in myself. I deserve good. I will succeed. And it’s all possible because during every one of the 60 minutes in an hour, I can choose differently. Every day I have 24 new opportunities to win. Every week, I have 168 HUGE chances to make a difference. Every year, I get 365 shots of fresh mercy to start out again.

And here is the BEST part…

SO DO YOU! Don’t limit yourself and don’t short-change yourself! It’s all there waiting for your embrace…your choice!

Oh, and now…YEAH…I love my life!

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