From Tracie: Thoughts On A Year Of Hope

Monday, December 31, 2012

Thoughts On A Year Of Hope

I picked the word hope for my 2012 one word focus. Now that a new year is upon us, it is time to share what I learned about hope with y'all.

I wrote Hope Fills My Life in October, and it pretty much stands as a testament to what focusing on hope did for me. Hope saved my life.

Hope Is Real

There is one result of focusing on hope I haven't written about, and that is what I want to share today. Hope is one step away from dreaming. Planning. Feeling like plans and dreams could one day come true.

Hope leads to dreaming, and dreaming requires hope.
I have been writing down dreams lately. I am writing them in a special, yellow journal sent by a friend for the purpose of dreaming big. They are even finding their way into my morning pages, pouring out of me.

When I embarked on this year of hope, I had no idea that it would end in me learning how to dream, but that is exactly what has happened.


I am open to believing one day I'm gonna do...anything.
My friend Misty died last week. I haven't had the words to write about her in this space. Everything I type seems so trite, and not enough to explain a whole life lived courageously.

Misty talked about all the things she was "gonna do" one day. She didn't let pain or disability hold back her dreams, even if they were delayed. She kept hope alive. She dreamed big.

So in honor of Misty, after a year spent learning how to hope, I'm going to share some of my dreams with you.

One Day I'm Gonna...
  • Move
  • Go to college.
  • Find the balance between eating doughnuts and being healthy.
  • Leave this continent.
  • Be published.
  • Learn how to sew.
  • Go to Oregon.
  • Work at a library.
  • Paint something really beautiful.


This year has taught me so much; lessons I will carry with me forever.
I was blessed in 2012 - my year of hope. I hope you were blessed as well.

***************

There is a memorial for Misty at Band Back Together today. She was one of our volunteers, and a sister of our hearts. Tia and Teala have also written beautiful words about Misty that made me cry.

We are sharing our #onedayimgonna dreams on twitter. Big and small.
I would love to read yours.

Misty, you will be forever loved. Always. And one day I'm gonna make those shortbread cookies we talked so much about. Thank you for inspiring me, and making my world a brighter place.

17 comments:

  1. It was, in many ways, a sad and tragic year. And yet, it was also a year filled with hope. Thank you for helping keep hope alive for the rest of us!

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    1. There was a lot of sadness and tragedy. I know some of it hit very close to your home and heart.

      I hope that 2013 is beautiful for all of us.

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  2. <3 I'm crying a lot of tears right now for a lot of reasons. I chose hope for my one word for 2013, and I fought it because I know it was "your" word this year and I didn't want to be too wonder-twinny. lol... Alas, it IS my word. I can't shake it. I am praying BIG for you as always, friend. I am so glad hope saved your life. I love you!

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    1. I love. Love. LOVE. that you chose Hope.

      Because it was such an amazing word for me, and I know it will be amazing for you. Seriously amazing. I'm excited to see what 2013 is going to bring your way. God is good, and I know He has good things planned for you.

      I love you too. Praying BIG.

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  3. That was a beautiful tribute. You are such a beautiful writer.

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  4. I know Misty would be so happy to see you dreaming and sharing your dreams. I know it makes me happy. I have been thinking about this word for the year that you do...and I think I may like to join for 2013.

    I love you more than words can say.

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    1. Oh sweet Tia. I love you too.

      I hope you do pick a word, and that 2013 is amazing for you. You deserve it!

      Misty is in my heart. Always.

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  5. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I hope your I'm Gonna's will become I Did's very soon.
    Have a wonderful 2013.

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    1. Thank you, Alison!

      I hope your 2013 is wonderful as well.

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  6. I love your "things to do list" Perfect.

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  7. This is such a perfect list. You ARE going to do all of those things, hopefully the Oregon one sooner than later:)
    xoxo

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    1. Yes!! I hope that Oregon ones happens soon!! ;)

      Love ya!

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  8. I believe you can do all those things, Tracie.

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    1. Thank you Jennie. I appreciate your support. Always.

      Hope you have a wonderful 2013!

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  9. I am so sorry about your friend! Devastating.

    I think your choice of the word "hope" is the perfect way to honor her. I haven't found my word yet. I'm getting frustrated with myself!

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    1. The right word will come! I usually go through thinking about several of them before the perfect one hits me.

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