I’ve only just begun.
45 years old and I feel like my life is finally beginning.

No, I’m not saying that the last 45 years were empty or meaningless. I have five amazing children from those years and… now I get to enjoy amazing adventures with them!

I’m beyond thankful for the amazing people who have been by my side over the past couple years and especially the past six months. You have watched me transform from a stressed out, physically sick, emotionally broken, empty shell of a person to a woman who’s finally embracing who she is and WHOSE she is. You have helped me find my light, rediscover what I’m passionate about and remember that I am me. Anybody who needs/wants me to be different doesn’t actually want me in their life.

I shared with my friend tonight that I’m a follower, not a chaser. I have made my way back to God and I don’t plan on straying ever again. If you want me actively in your life, please prioritize HIM. You don’t need to be perfect, have all the answers or have all your tomorrows figured out. I sure don’t! But I need Him and anybody I actively involve in my life will know they do, too. ...

A couple weeks ago while journaling, I heard the word “DETAIL” loud in my head. “You need to detail your life, Kim… Inside and out.”

I started thinking about what a detailed car would look like (amazing, compared to the Kid-mess my car currently exhibits like splatter art… sigh), and then the daydreams began.

What would a detailed house look like? (Heavenly, I can imagine. And it would smell fantastic too, I’m sure).

And how about a detailed mind? What would it feel like if my mind was cleaned of all the unnecessary rubbish? (Absolutely blissful, I’m sure)

My kids haven’t enjoyed me much since the word popped up in my head and journal. When their attitudes or behaviors stink, I’m making them clean. My dishes are getting done without me having to do them AND hopefully my kids are learning to have better attitudes and behaviors.

I’m also working on cleaning up my own attitude, mouth, and behaviors. I don’t swear anywhere close to as much as I used to but curse words still pop out more often than they should. My mindset and mindfulness is greatly improved and I’m able to catch myself before spiraling. And my time is being used better which is a win across the board.

I don’t expect my home would/will ever pass a white glove test and that’s okay with me. I don’t live to clean. I live to make memories and leave a legacy. But if I can cut out some of the extras and detail all areas of my life in the process… Yay! ...

“Simplicity boils down to two steps:
Identify the essential.
Eliminate the rest.”
~Leo Babauta

2024 has been a year of cutting the extras out of my life. Financially, physically, emotionally and/or spiritually, if something or someone isn’t required in my life and/or doesn’t contribute positively, they’re being gently pruned.

This year I’ve watched as people, phone apps, business tools, groceries, household clutter and more have been removed and, as the clutter has been cleared, peace has been restored.

Some of the pruning was not desired. Some started with a desire for a discussion which never happened. While painful at first, I have found greater peace than I ever imagined possible.

I’ve come to see that I have had a choice all along. I had the choice to expend endless amounts of energy chasing people and opportunities that God never wanted for me OR I could choose to be patient, waiting for HIS timing.

Chasing people and opportunities only ever resulted in hurt and heartbreak. For this next chapter (and any following), I’m relying on HIM to lead my way. ...