I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet...

The last few years have been hard for me around the holidays for a number of reasons. Growing up I always was with my entire family. The memories we created and the lessons I learned I carry with me and treasure all the days of my life.

Instead of dwelling on negativity I am thankful for my blessings. My son has matured and has a job, is doing good in school and is in a relationship with a sweet girl who I adore. My mother who has had health issues is not only surviving but thriving. I have a really great relationship with my Sister and her children that brings me so much joy. I have a true friend in Samantha who lifts me up with encouragement and laughter. My Aunts Colette and Helen always have my back and are literally just a phone call away. Always there it's never a NO- maybe a not this second lol.

I have found true love in my Kitty Lucky. I am not a animal lover AT ALL but my Baby is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. All he wants is love and affection. He lit a fire in me that for a long time lay cold and I am forever grateful.

Last but certainly not least I am in love with my best friend. Born 5 years and two days apart we are so alike that it's scary sometimes. Our relationship isn't perfect but who knows where I would be if he wasn't in my life. Each holiday season brings the memories of how we met. I am thankful for God's gift to me of him on the Day Jesus was born.

Daddy used to say " I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet." I am not where I want to be professionally yet and I want to be a homeowner in 2015 for real. I am however thankful for all the love, laughter and joy in my life presently.

Autumn in New York

I know I haven't posted anything in quite along time. Life's everyday routine coupled with getting myself together has made me neglectful to my Blog. So many people find my words encouraging and inspiring. I appreciate everyone who is taking my journey with me.

When you are a writer and life's situations get to be overwhelming it is so therapeutic to express yourself through words. It is a great release because it allows you to vent and also find comfort by seeing your feelings come alive.

I am at a point in my life right now where I am trying to get myself together. Physically, emotionally and mentally. This weekend one of my oldest and dearest friends came to visit me. It was so needed. Touching base with someone who has known you from the beginning puts things in perspective.

I don't know everything. I am intelligent, some say even gifted but I am a novice at a lot of things. Times spent burning the proverbial midnight oil absorbing facts and figures leave little time to acquire some of the other life skills you need in order to be a well rounded person. As I age I am open to seeing other people's views and broadening my own horizons.

At the end of the day I am trying to not only survive but to thrive. I worry all the time mostly about things that in the grand scheme of things are so inconsequential. My late father was like that too and he missed out on so much joy waiting for the pain...

As the holidays approach I am thankful for my ability to reinvent myself. I am constantly changing. My Mother complimented me the other day and said I am not who I was three months ago. Not only physically but I am open to change. I crave it. I am working on being a better Kim and each day is better than the last. I am not a perfect person but my heart is kind and nothing will ever change that. There's a saying " There's no use crying over spilled perfume." Everything that happens to us happens and how we react, adapt and learn from it helps define who we are. Life is about growth and change. I am just thankful for my blessings and my journey-whatever comes....