Happy New (hopefully NEW and different from the BS of 2020-21) Year! We are officially in 2022 and while I wanted to just go straight to bed after a really fun night with new friends here in Belize, I can't, because this post has been niggling at me for some time now. It's been niggling at me because I know that it's my last post at least for the foreseeable future for reasons that I hope are clear after this post.
The title of this post is inspired by the "choose your own adventure" books of the 80's. I have this vivid memory of loving these books because you could choose the outcome of your adventure in the book. And of course, the best part was that if you chose a path that you didn't like, you could flip back in the book and re-choose. Gosh, if only life were like this, right???
Hands down and without even the slightest hesitation, I would say that 2021 was the worst year of my life. But, even when I say that to myself, I know that if it weren't for it being the worst year, then it couldn't be true that I also experienced possibly the BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE! The bad was necessary to open the door of opportunity for my daughter and me to LIVE OUR BEST LIVES! I have not for a second wanted to "re-choose my adventure" this year. This has been the most fascinating adventure of my life! And, I know my baby would concur. To say the least, it was a life game changer for us, and we are so grateful to be living in a new country that we’ve both fallen in love with.
There are so many things I want to say about my choice in having an adventure to live an "unconventional" life with my baby girl traveling the world, and I thought I would do so on this blog. But, what I've come to realize is that this blog was mostly a self-test of my writing, writing for an audience, and most importantly, my passion for it. During this self-assessment, I've learned that it's exceptionally hard to write. I have to be inspired, and while I'm often inspired, I know that it could take hours to write and polish a post that I'm happy with. So, while I passed the passion test, I want to and need to focus these hours of inspiration on the book that I am determined to finish and publish, (Even Strong Girls Cry...A peak into what resilience really looks like)
So, The Red Beanie will continue our journey living our lives traveling the world, but because we have so many other things pulling at our time and attention, we are going to pause these posts. I wish I could document and share every single moment that I'm so lucky to experience with my soulmate. I've come to learn that my Daniella is the most amazing person on this planet. And, I'm not just saying this because I'm her momma. I've not even been the best momma most of the time, but maybe I'm being harder on myself than I should be. My Daniella is one of the most sweet, empathetic, unique, funny, intelligent, witty, sarcastic, quirky, beautiful, human beings to walk this planet. She has the power to make a person smile when they just look at her. I've seen this firsthand so many times on this island. She gets honks, waves, compliments, and smiles--all wholeheartedly deserved.
As we go into a fresh new year, we would like to thank every single one of you that took even a moment out of your busy days to read our journey in 2021. Our one message to each of you is, "Don't be afraid to color outside of the lines, as the best part of life often exists when you take risks. The second you let fear hold back any part of your LIVING, you might as well be DYING." We especially hope you consider this message during this seemingly never ending, and increasing absurd COVID-CRAY.
We know that YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE, and like us, we hope and pray that you choose to live each day like you are dying <3<3<3
With such love from us to you!
Jenee & Danee
