“The world is looking back on a year that was, but what matters is what’s in front of you. KEEP WALKING.”
I read this quote in The New York Times yesterday and pondered it for a bit. We all have our times of looking at the past year and wondering what could have been or what we should have done. These times of reflection can be productive as long as we are not dwelling on the past, but trying to learn from it. I must say that my year has been filled with ups and downs. Yet, in those down times we find out the strength that is really inside us. In the up times, we get to see the most beautiful things happen and see how far we have come from the “down times.”
On a professional note, our organization has accomplished so much in such a short time. We have traveled to Atlanta, DC, Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, and DC again! We have added several new board members as well as advisory board members! Our organization is growing and it is exciting to see our vision unfold. We are blessed to have families continue to share their stories of epilepsy with others. To be open and allow the world to take a peek in the lives of someone that has been affected by epilepsy is powerful. Our stories will continue to change the lives of women and children that are diagnosed with epilepsy across the globe. In this new year we are going to be heading to Columbus and Cincinnati, as well as a few other locations that will be unveiled as things are finalized. We are excited to see the new partnerships that are forming and where we will be at the end of 2014. I know that we are going to have a FULL year for our organization and I am excited that the possibilities are endless!
On a personal note, so many have asked about our family. Our family has continued to grow stronger and stronger as we ended 2013. We had hoped for some books to be closed and they are not, however soon will be. We have learned that even in our darkest times, our love has been made stronger and our faith has grown. Over the holidays I was able to connect with an old friend, and the conversation was inspiring and up lifting. As we talked we talked about family….we talked about how family doesn’t always mean a blood relative. Family comes in so many different forms and that is what is so wonderful. Families are made through love, friendships, quality time, compassion, life experiences, and so much more…… As I sit and ponder the year that has passed, I am grateful for my family. You see, my family is not full of just blood relatives, it is full of others that have loved me and my beautiful children. Our family is growing each year with others that have touched our lives in more ways than you can imagine. So as the quote said, we are going to KEEP WALKING, walking into a future that is full of life and endless possibilities. Our 2014 is going to be wonderful and beautiful, it may not be perfect to others but it will be our perfect year! From our family to yours, May each of you have a wonderful 2014 filled with your PERFECTION! Take a moment to look at the people that surround you and be thankful for the family that you have made. I look forward to seeing each of you as you KEEP WALKING in the next year, 6 years, 16 years, 26 years and beyond.
With much love,
Brandy
