Tupelo

Welcome Back {to Me} and a Reminder About My #YearofYes

My Facebook post on my birthday, December 2017:

Last year, during my birthday, T and K urged me to re-find my true self. Following my mom’s sudden death and my divorce, I found myself a bit hopeless and feeling lost in my role as a single mom and teacher. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally drained.

At the same time, I read THE YEAR OF YES by Shonda Rhimes, and it inspired me to challenge myself to my own special year. Any and every opportunity that came up that I normally would rationalize my way out of and make excuses to decline, I promised myself I would say “yes” to throughout 2017. My main goal was to travel again so that I did not feel trapped in Tallahassee, away from family and friends, and so that I could conquer the anxiety of driving that started after my mom’s car accident.

This challenge literally changed my life for the better. I am Becky Jo again. Like a wounded animal, I am slowly learning to trust and, even more, to risk everything for true intimacy.

Since January, I have switched careers and gotten a promotion; gained several new professional mentors; become a stronger advocate for myself and the kids; fallen in love; experienced my first long-distance relationship; sought medical help for the anxiety; and continued therapy with the kids. I have traveled to Washington, DC; Vidalia, where I got “bitten” by a Water Moccasin with Nikki and helped host a baby shower for Azat’s wife; Memphis and Graceland; Tunica, Mississippi; Nashville, Pulaski and Franklin, Tennessee; all over Alabama, where I saw a covered bridge for the first time, found an arrow head in the back yard, visited the Air and Space Museum, toured the Hank Williams Museum, and ate dinner as the sun set over the Tennessee River; Cape Canaveral; West Palm; Boca Raton; Tampa; Atlanta, where we saw a Braves game in their new stadium and tubed the famed Chattahoochee; North Carolina; and Orlando, where the kids and I had an amazing time at Magic Kingdom.

I attended my first praise and worship concert. I watched the Kentucky Head Hunters right in front of me while swimming in beautiful Smith Lake. I saw Luke Bryan in concert twice, once back stage, where he threw a guitar pick to me and laughed when I let it drop. I saw my favorite singer, Sam Hunt, backstage, too.

I hosted my first dove hunt and sat in a tree stand for the first time.

I became a fan of spray tan and ate my first oyster.

I spent Christmas Day in two places at once, at the Flora-Bama Bar.

I feel more at peace than I have ever felt before, and I am more comfortable in my own skin than I have ever been. I am also a better, more patient mom and, hopefully, a more generous and loving friend.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged and prayed for me and who has humored my #yearofyes posts. This year has been incredible. I cannot wait to see what the next one holds. Ideas anyone?

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

Celebrating Eight

My son wanted a simple birthday at home this year. I was happy to comply, and my friends and family helped me get organized and entertain all of our guests.

He also asked that the boys sleep over. I honestly did not think any would take us up on this invite, but they did. My “adopted” daughter, Ashleigh, stayed over with me, thankfully, because I ended up with six boys piled up. It brought up so many memories of my childhood, and I loved every second of the chaos. There is nothing I enjoy more than a house full of kids.

He wanted a Jacksonville Jaguars themed party. I am from Jacksonville, and it is so sweet that he loves my hometown team. Who cares that we are perennially one of the worst teams in the NFL? This little guy bleeds teal and adores Blake Bortles.

I love this picture of his buddies singing “Happy Birthday” to M. The looks on their faces epitomize childhood innocence to me and makes my heart soar.

The best part of the party was a complete surprise to all of us. A family friend brought over her boyfriend, Josh Peters, who plays football for the FSU Seminoles and was just off their Orange Bowl victory. He was amazing. He signed autographs for all the kids and took pictures with them. They were in awe by his size. It was surreal to have one of their heroes in our home. M was so proud. Go Noles!