Time To "Ring" It In....

Its THAT time of year again. Time to start fresh, make changes....

Usually, on New Year's Eve, I come up with a few "Resolutions".  As I started to do that this morning (in haste, as usual) I stopped to think about the changes I was considering. I then realized that my resolutions had more to do with others, than they did myself. 

After reflecting on the past year, I realized maybe my resolution SHOULD have a little more to do with me.  Several things happened this year that led my thinking in this direction.

Early in 2012 I was diagnosed with Lupus(SLE). The diagnosis wasn't a huge surprise, as I had been noticing signs of it for some time and I know its very common to develop Lupus when you have Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it adds a whole new set of doctor appointments, some new symptoms, more bloodwork, and more to worry about in general.

During the summer of 2012, I found out I needed surgery on my right elbow to repair some damage caused by RA. After finding out, I decided to close my Etsy shop(Shelby's Enchanted Bowtique) so I could start preparing for surgery. I had a partial elbow replacement in September, 2012(yes, at age 33 the joint replacements have already begun). Here is a picture of my new elbow:

The day after my surgery, my English Bulldog, Bubba, passed away suddenly(he was 7 years old). Those who know me well know how much I loved him. He was like a child to me.

One week later, my cousin's 18 year old son died in a horrible car accident. Over the last few months several members of my family have been diagnosed with cancer as well.

Taking all of this into consideration, I realize now how much I need to cherish every moment of every day. I need to cherish my children who are growing up way too fast! I need to take better care of MYSELF and my health(and not feel guilty about it). And I only need to worry about those people who are supportive of all these things.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it wasn't too depressing;) What are your plans/goals for the New Year??

Stay tuned...I will start a new blogging "schedule" next week. Hopefully that will get me "here" more often:)

Best Wishes! 

Kelly