I can't speak for you. But as for me, with eyes wide open and a firm foothold, I embrace the start of a brand new year.

Change is never easy. Some choose to shuffle through life saddled with remnants and refuse from their past. It feels familiar, driving this UHaul packed from floor to ceiling with boxes and bags of unchallenged feelings, faults, and fears. Even if earlier times were never what they wanted or would have chosen, they settle. With a stubborn grip, they’ll hold onto and repeat all the yesterdays they've ever known.

Others prefer to stay where they are. Coasting along like a car in neutral, they avoid untraveled hills or valleys. They unpacked the UHaul, found the perfect places for all their belongings, and never plan on moving again. The future is unknown, and designating a specific spot for what is amorphous and not yet here is futile. They'll keep the same job, house, even spouse for as long as possible, even if their needs are no longer satisfied. Resting comfortably in what is known and expected offers stability and purpose. After all, the same route will lead the same way to the same places- and always brings them back to the safety of home.

Others live in the present, yet embrace all life places in their path. A vacancy sign is an invitation, and a detour is a new, unexplored passage. Roads unfamiliar represent a change of scenery and a realm of possibilities. Neither fear of unknown circumstances nor unnecessary possessions matter anymore. They discard what doesn't serve their life experience and embrace all that offers newness and a better understanding of existence. Simply stated, the passion in their souls lead their way.

So, how about YOU? What are you bringing into 2020? Will you lean to the past for complacency and close your eyes tightly to multiple-choice answers? Will you keep your gate closed and your heart locked? When your purpose fades, and your candle wick is too short to light, will you stop living and start dying?

When the unexpected flood rains fall, will you seek higher ground? When the color of your walls no longer matches your mindset will you venture to select vivid hues to paint them? When you feel lost, will you retrace your steps, or will you wonder if it is a sign to wander further?

Me? I'm not yet a senior citizen, and my first car was not a horse, but I notice that the longer I live, the faster time moves. Even though a day will always last 24 hours, I will keep the grandfather clock ticking away. The volume of ringing church bells might seem lower, but the singing from my soul will sound louder. I will still hate rain, but I will continue to celebrate the crocuses come springtime. And while the wood and metal train tracks will keep the locomotive in line, I prefer the path that pays homage to the thought that I will always end up where I am meant to be.

You and I have found one another because our past cannot be permitted to predict our present. Together we can move toward a future filled with freedom from our abuser. We deserve healing to enjoy all the gifts life can offer.

I say we all skip the train. Drive down the path, leaving a cloud of dust! Open the windows and let the freeing feeling of the wind remind you that you’re alive!. Allow your soul to seek and find, like children not yet stifled by society's stricture. But when the road comes to a dead-end, carve out a new path. You will end up where you are meant to be.

Embrace the journey. But always remember- the destination is not the end.