It's been a while. . .

It's 2024 - how did that happen?! It is so true that the days are long but the years are short. Too short. I see that I have neglected this site for nearly two years. I am really not surprised. I will be honest - the last four years have been hell for me. It all started with my mom getting a terrible diagnosis and then I decided to leave my job to be able to help care for her. I traveled back and forth for two years spending time to care for my mom in Idaho. I do not regret that time one bit. Having that time with her was so special, but also so damn hard. Mom went to be with Jesus after two years into caring for her.

I have not been the same since her passing. I now realize that I have been in a dark depression for too long. I miss the old me and am working on digging myself out of the dark pit I had made a home in. It is time. I call this my "joy journey". I hope you will join me as I work through the pain and sadness. I know my mom would want me to find that joy again.

Sitting down to write over the last several years has been hard and pretty much non-existent. Last month I took a chance (without telling anyone I was doing it) and submitted an article for a beautiful magazine that I love (https://thetrulyco.com/). Two nights ago I got an email that my article was selected to go in the next edition. Tears welled up in my eyes as I read the email, knowing my mom would be so proud that I'm doing what I love. Mom always encouraged me to write and to use my gifts. The confirmation from the magazine was just what I needed. Thank you, Truly!

So, thank you for following along! I hope I can bring you some encouragement along the way as I navigate from grief to joy.

God is waiting for each of us to grab hold of a greater vision for our lives. I'm grabbing mine - will you do the same?

If you don't follow me on socials, please do at: https://www.instagram.com/gracecitygirl/.

Shannon, aka GraceCityGirl

(picture above is of me, my amazing husband, and our youngest, Ally)