A New Chapter

I started blogging during the pandemic. I'm sure many people did the same thing, because, let's face it, humans crave connection and when we can't have it face-to-face, a digital connection seems like a good alternative. Since my work travel decreased substantially, I had more time with my thoughts as I started taking a walk or two every day, forcing myself to take a break from business.  

My blog's name, "Weather the Storms," was inspired by the understanding that we are sometimes faced with things that are out of our control and the knowledge that turbulent times are only temporary. It's also a nod to my wonderful Dad, who had a passion for meteorology and would give us a full-on weather report every morning, so we knew how to dress for school. He was more accurate than most TV stations and I miss him. Though I really don't need the daily weather report anymore, South Carolina is pretty warm and beautiful every day and storms pass through quickly. (Read my previous post for more on my dad.)

There were so many changes going on in the world in 2020. My job, at the time, as a national operations director, gave me a front row seat to witness the impact of the pandemic across the US. I was also able to see how organizations, families and individuals responded to the challenges. There were decisions being made all around, some of which I had strong opinions on, but they weren't always open for discussion. I found writing gave me an outlet to develop my thoughts and express my values...so much so, that within two years, I had a clearer vision of my own purpose and I set out on a different path to realize it. I left the job that had been a huge part of my life and identity for twenty-two years.

Although I was uncertain of what was in store for me, I tried new things and met new people. I intentionally soaked in every experience, determined NOT to be the busy, corporate lady with her nose buried in her phone. (A mistake I made for far too long, leaning into work in an empty quest to find my value.) I joined Toastmasters International so that I could start crafting some of my writing into more meaningful interactions with an audience. Ultimately, through the process of trial and error, feedback and encouragement, I wrote and published my first children's book in 2022. This achievement has been a guide-post for everything I have done since and everything I will continue to do as I work my way along the plan God has for me.

Since the art of writing ignited a fire that led me to, and sustained me through, a significant life transition from 2020 to 2022, I am going back to it now, in 2024. Our family is about to change. Our son is heading off to college this fall. Much as my former job shaped my identity, the title of "Mom" shaped it too. It's going to take a little time and processing for me to figure out who, or what, I am once he moves out. My love for him is topped only by the unyielding promise that GOD HAS US IN HIS EMBRACE, yet there are stressors and worries that weigh on my mind daily and I'm excited to put them on paper (well...screen), so that I can cry over them, laugh about them and ultimately give them up to God so that I can live fully in the joy that is available to be found in the moment we've been working towards for eighteen years.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Ecclesiastes 3:1