2015 was a very interesting year for me and I’m thankful for the lessons learned within it. I am still learning lots and don’t think all my teaching moments are done, not by a long shot. I feel closer to Jonathan and Lauren. I feel more content within myself. But most of all I feel more ‘free’ than I ever have.

I have had people either suddenly or gradually not be part of my life anymore. I have had people not like me a lot for something I’ve said, or not said. I’ve struggled really hard to accept other people’s decisions in life, and continue to struggle with things like that, from throughout my life. I have a head full of emotions and thoughts, of which I had never understood until now. And somehow all of those things have helped me feel more free than ever.

They have helped confirm thoughts of mine that have always been there, thoughts I intend to try and live by more fully than ever in 2016;

You can’t control other people. Other people can’t control you. Loyalty although a great quality can be so gravely misplaced. The power of discernment is truly a gift. Always trust your gut feeling, there’s no smoke without fire. Always protect those you love, and trust those you know. Sometimes removing people from your life is a necessity. Sometimes letting others remove you can be a blessing. Being strong doesn’t mean you don’t feel. It simply means you feel-but you always stay true to your beliefs and morals and yourself. No one is perfect. Forgiveness is as complicated as a spaghetti junction. Life is not certain. Life is short even if someone is ‘old’ when they die. Put more time and effort into those you do love, and by love I don’t mean a feeling. Love is a doing word.

It’s how you show people, not tell people, that you truly love them. Support your family and friends EVEN and WHEN it is uncomfortable. Some situations ARE NOT ABOUT YOU!!!!!! (yes, I am even talking to myself there and learned that lesson mostly this year). But I also mean you. Look out of your own situation and support and help someone who is dealing with something hard. Not necessarily worse than you, problems are all relative. Think before you speak-sometimes you’ll still need to say it, but perhaps more kindly. Hope. Hope because it doesn’t hurt, but alleviates pain. There is no foolishness in hope. No one has the right to try and shatter that hope. No one has the right to tell you your beliefs are stupid. Hope and believe on because you can. Be kind. Smile. Hug (ok only sometimes 😉 ). And Lets go into 2016 judging less, and concentrating on how to be better, more honest, more upright, and people that will spread goodness around them.

Jonathan, Lauren and I truly wish you all a very Happy new year. My hope is that you have a healthy one. Happiness is your own making, regardless of what comes your way, I hope you have a life filled with it. And if God willing, may it be prosperous for you all.

All our love

The Birch’s.