For December 30

Believe, Hope, Peace, Perseverance, Strength 1 Minute

I wished for insight in my year-end reflection. Especially since today is my birthday. I should now have the wisdom of an official 52-year-old. Upon pondering, however, I could only take so much of 2021. In some ways, it was the best of times. A completed graduate degree, a new job I love, a trip across the border to the beach. In other ways, it was the worst of times. Nothing I care to rehash. In fact, there’s no better time than a new year or a birthday to let bygones be bygones and let it go. A gift to myself. Peace. I Believe our struggles strengthen us. I suppose that’s my 2021 takeaway. Strength. Perseverance. I made it. You did, too. As for 2022, I choose Hope. Maybe we’ll all be surprised.

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

88 thoughts on “For December 30”

    1. Much appreciated, Priscilla!Hope was my first word of the year when I started choosing one in 2018. I continue to carry it with me. I’m still thinking about a word for 2022. We all need more “love.” Love it!

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  8. May your Birthday be one of joy. One of the concepts I genuinely love is dying to each day, allowing what has transpired to fade, and to be reborn fresh in each day. Love this post. Be well, my friend.

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  9. Happy Birthday Crystal! I appreciate your thoughts and reflections. I wrote a word down the other day . . . perseverance. So much is built around this word . . . sowed with faith to taste the coming harvest of hope and peace.

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  26. Happy birthday Crystal. You have a sense of gratitude that temper the storms that inevitably come, and also the love of family of friends. Always you will go forward, and your storms will eventually be blue skies again. I hope you will have a year of triumphs and strength in 2022. – David

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  31. Thank you for sharing!!.. a belated Happy Birthday, hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year with the year filled with peace, love and happiness and life is all that you wish for it to be!!.. 🙂

    Until we meet again…
    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    May good and faithful friends be yours,
    wherever you may roam.
    May peace and plenty bless your world
    with joy that long endures.
    May all life’s passing seasons
    bring the best to you and yours!
    (Irish Saying)

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      1. Awesome! I did not, but I intended to. We had a much needed quiet night at home with a little time for a verbal “airing of the grievances”. Caught the movie “Don’t Look Up” which was disturbing and bonkers but superbly acted and timely. Ready to take on 2022 with gusto! Happy New Year, Crystal!!

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  38. Happy Birthday Crystal, may this year bring more joy, laughter and love than you can possibly imagine! I’m cheering you on, enjoying your writing, and sending a little birthday cheer your way, to many more, C xxoo

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  39. I feel ya, on most of the thoughts here, anyway. Really, who doesn’t given how the last couple of years have been for the whole world?

    I will say, specifically, congrats on completing the degree as well as the relaxing trip. Also condolences for the other stuff you don’t want to rehash here.

    I did the latter, hopefully and intentionally for the last time (fingers crossed I can actually follow though!) on my new blog, along with restarting an old one. Check one or both out if you have time, please.

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    1. Forgot the links!

      Starting Over – Because there’s never enough time to do it right the first time but there’s always enough time to do it over (wordpress.com)

      My Self Evident Truths… (hbsuefred.com)

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  40. Pingback: Cheers to Year 53 – Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope

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