suddenlysinglewomen

Becoming the best version of yourself

It’s Been A While But I’m Still Here!!

What a revelation. On some level, you know it, but do you practice it??

I have been and it’s so FREEING!! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being mean – I’m just taking better care of myself, my needs, my purpose, my life!!

During this season of Thanksgiving and Holidaze, I feel so ready to take it on. And 2026? Nothing but onward and upward.

From this past September through this coming January I will have made 9 roundtrips on flights; rarely are they on time, but I always get to where I’m going, and so far have made it back home. That’s saying something considering the Fall we had.

So “choose you”! Have a wonderful end of the year and a grand kickoff to the next one.

Holiday Hugs to you!!

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Where Have I Been??

Do you have a bucket list??

I’m now working on my second one. The one I made in college, when I look back on it, was perfect for that age and that time in my life. There were five things on the list. A couple of them I accomplished fairly quickly. One of them, to have been in all 50 states, took me until 2018 – when I finally made it to Wisconsin!! I had a map of the US on my wall in the study, and one day I really looked at it and realized that there was only one state not colored in!! What was I waiting on??

I went to my favorite travel related internet site “Trip Advisor” and set out to plan a trip to Wisconsin. I felt really great when I could finally color in that map with the 50th and final state DONE!! I’m a visual learner, I have to see it to learn it – and that goal on a map spurred me on.

Then I figured I needed a more “adult” bucket list, and set out to create another one. The photo here was taken a week ago as I accomplished another goal – seeing the Grand Canyon. I took a 9 day road trip with a dear friend of 40 years, and we saw the “Mighty 5” National Parks in Utah, 3 state parks and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We hit 4 different states (maybe she should start a map?) and hiked and walked and took a ton of photos.

A sense of accomplishment- we all need one/them. Have you ever written down your goals? Do you have a bucket list? 2025 may be halfway gone, but it’s never too late to feel accomplishment.

Wishing everyone a “Grand Canyon” moment!

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I Love This – Hope You Do As Well – – –

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. Because if not, there’s absolutely no point.

Not every argument is worth your energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand—they’re listening to react.

They’re stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint, and engaging with them only drains you.

There’s a difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless debate.

A conversation with someone who is open-minded, who values growth and understanding, can be enlightening—even if you don’t agree. But trying to reason with someone who refuses to see beyond their own beliefs? That’s like talking to a wall. No matter how much logic or truth you present, they will twist, deflect, or dismiss your words, not because you’re wrong, but because they’re unwilling to see another side.

Maturity isn’t about who wins an argument—it’s about knowing when an argument isn’t worth having. It’s realizing that your peace is more valuable than proving a point to someone who has already decided they won’t change their mind. Not every battle needs to be fought. Not every person deserves your explanation.

Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is walk away—not because you have nothing to say, but because you recognize that some people aren’t ready to listen. And that’s not your burden to carry.

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Renewal – Thoughts of Spring . . . and Life

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Thought For The Day – – –

“Tomorrow isn’t promised.

There’s no second chance at this exact moment, no “next lifetime” to finally take the leap.

Say what you need to say. Chase the dream that won’t leave your heart. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you.

Take risks. Try new things. Let laughter fill your days. Do what scares you, because fear often hides the best experiences.

If something is calling you, don’t ignore it. The chance you’re waiting for is right now.

Tomorrow isn’t promised so make today count.”

I’m borrowing this from a Facebook post that one of my trainers posted this morning. When it comes to my equestrian life, I struggle with this all the time. Sometimes it scares me, sometimes it frustrates me, it’s definitely taking a risk here in the last third of my life.

My family doesn’t support me in it, my friends think I’m nuts, it’s a very small circle of people who get it. I question myself all the time – when should I walk away, throw in the towel, wise up?

Then you have a great ride and you have your answer – not yet. You look deep into the eyes of your equine partner and they stick that muzzle in your face for a smell and a rub and a blow and you think – not yet.

But the above quote isn’t just for me and about my horse, it can be about anything. Tomorrow is not promised, so get out there and do what you love, try something new, hug those you love and tell them how important they are.

Most of all?? Make today count.

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Happy 2025!

Sorry – a day late for my good wishes to you all. There was that “football” game that got in the way, LOL!

So to start the new year off, I’m not making resolutions, just thinking about how to be more proactive in keeping my life positive and moving forward in a happy way this year. Love this and wanted to share!!

Keep happy and keep trying. (and take the title as 10 lessons for all ages!)

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Winter Solstice – – –

December 21 Winter Solstice – – –

The shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Seems fitting that this is my travel day to be with the West Coast family for Christmas. So far today I’ve chased three deer out of my yard (before my dogs could) and passed a herd of elk on the golf course, settled in for their sunny day siesta. The sun is bright and shiny but the temps started the morning at 19 degrees.

My college team is playing in the first round of the playoffs today, and I’m going to miss most of it while sitting on the afore mentioned flight to San Diego. I sold my four tickets online via Seat Geek and am just praying that the correct color of “orange” will be enjoying the game from my seats.

Tomorrow will be the second trip to the Nutcracker Ballet with the Cali family after taking Texas granddaughter several weeks ago. It’s those holiday traditions that you look forward to so fondly every year.

I won’t be posting this next week, I’ll be chasing little people around their backyard and enjoying temps in the 70’s so I’ll take this opportunity to wish you all a very wonderful holiday season full of family and friends, traditions both old and new, and the start to a new year full of hope.

Thank you for spending time with me this last year. Since 2012 I’ve done my best to share and care. Could not have done it without you all.

Hugs!!

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Ahhhh – Welcome To The Holidaze!!

Did you survive Thanksgiving?? I’d forgotten what it felt like to have a food coma, LOL!! There were 11 kids (ages 1 – 14) and 15 adults (ages to remain secret); we outnumbered them but the energy levels are certainly different. It was a blast.

Now we’re into the Holiday mode in preparation for Christmas and all that entails. I’m burning off the calories from that food coma, and probably should burn some extra for round two.

There’s more than two feet of snow on the ground; we’ve officially entered winter/ski season here in the mountains. Burrrrrrr!!

During this time of year, we are around alot more family and friends than normal, there is alot of giving and receiving – mostly good, sometimes not. It’s hard to keep an even keel especially when we might just be overly tired yet trying so hard to be perfect. Toss the perfect.

I read this earlier this morning and it really caused me to stop and reflect. There is no author to attribute it to but this was the notification on the site:

“Someone said to me,

You like taking care of people because it heals the part of you that needed someone to take care of you.

That hit me hard.”

I am not a therapist, but that’s not the first time that I’ve had something similar suggested to me. So as I enter the crazy of the holidaze, I might try something a bit different this year, and really try to meet my needs and take care of my happy. Stay tuned . . .

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National Kindness Day!

Yup – heard it on the radio so it must be true. It’s National Kindness Day. But not only that, in my daily devotional today I quote from the writer:

“Conviction filled my heart. Proverbs 11:16 came to mind: “A gracious woman attains honor.” Graciousness is honorable because it is truly difficult to be gracious – meaning kind, courteous, and merciful – in every situation. I purposed to make a conscious effort to be gracious in my speech by speaking encouraging and uplifting words to my husband, my kids and my friends; in my attitude by striving to be more patient and forgiving when people make mistakes; and in my actions by giving people a smile or friendly greeting.”

So it didn’t take me long to pick up that the universe was sending me a message. I heard it twice. Be kind. Be gracious.

Promise!!

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Words To Live By!

It seems so simple, yet in the throws of hurt and disappointment, hard to live by.

I haven’t forgotten you all, it has just been a very busy Fall with travel – both a long trip and several short ones. Many fun adventures with time to reflect on just how lucky I am in comparison to those who cannot “move on”.

As I said early on in this “blog”, and later in my published “book” adventure – we move on at our own pace. No one can or should tell us just how quickly that happens. The glory is when you can sit back and realize that it DID happen!

Here’s to living your very best life, whatever that may be. I have faith in all of us.

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