She took the midnight train going
Anywhere…
Where to even begin about 37. Where does anyone begin about this particularly bizarre trip around the sun?
37 is in two distinct halves. The first was, fairly normal, fairly straight forward. The second?…has brought more craziness than nearly any year I have lived through. I suspect that most of the world feels that way about this year.
But what has 37 taught me? 37 has taught me that I am so very much stronger than I ever thought I could be. 37 has put me through the fire and left me scorched and fragile, but also tempered and ready for whatever the future is going to bring me. Because who knows what the future is going to bring me or anyone else? We don’t get to know where the railway tracks lead.
On this particular part of my journey, I have done some amazing things and met some amazing people. I have learned even more about the path I want to take in life, and I have come to accept that that path may not always be the one I expect. I have temporarily closed the door on some dreams and open the door on others. I have learned more than ever what it is to be part of a unit instead of just being alone in myself.
This morning, I woke up to balloons and perfectly made tea and laughter that seemed to come bubbling up out of nowhere. There was perfect pizza and sunshine filled bike rides and a family game night that was a long long time in coming. There was peace and quiet and contentment and a beautiful sense of…relief, that I have very much missed in my life as of late.
Truly? If 37 has taught me anything…it’s just how many friends I have, and who they really are.
I have no idea what 38 will bring. I have no idea where my path will lead. And that is a bit of a frightening thought, but at the same time it is an inspiring one. No year is the same as the next, and – like I said – we don’t get to predict where the train is going to take us.
So the best I can do right now? Is settle in, link arms with my companions…and enjoy the ride.