End of the year ramblings

It wasn't a game.
I didn't "win."

It was my life.
I made choices every day.
To do what was best for my daughter, me and my husband, in that order.

Not a game.
Just life. Just living.
Remembering that actions have consequences.
Remembering that promises and vows and "for better or worse," in front of family, friends, and faith doesn't end.
Doing the things that were right and true to what I believe.
Being honest about it.

Not a game.
Games end. Games have winners and losers.
Life continues. A daily battle, a daily choice, a daily promise.
This is still my life, bad memories, broken trust and all.
It didn't end or go away.
It wasn't a game.

Every day I say, "for better or worse," because I know there's a lot more better than worse out there for us.
Every day and every choice.
Trying to create the better and learn from the worse.

Every day, I watch my daughter grow. I pray each night for her to grow "strong, healthy, and wise."
In a home where parents do the best they can.
Where "we show love and teach love," so she can grow to love others.

Raising my daughter is not a game either.
And the choices I made were for her, too.

It wasn't a game.
I didn't "win."

It's life.
No winners or losers.
Just people doing their best, every day, to live up to their values and beliefs.
I believe in family, in faith, and in my vows.
May the choices I make every day show it.

A new year is coming.
A season of forgiveness and light.
A reminder that from despair and darkness can come great joy.
When love, faith, family, and all others are placed above selfishness.
When choices you make for your happiness don't come at the cost of other's.
When you let go of hurt.
When you look for peace, joy, and love.
With a willingness to help create them.
When you open your eyes and see beauty in others.
Love multiplies.

2013 will be better.
But the lessons of 2012 won't be forgotten.
A new year.
Same me, same life.
But every day, a chance to make the right choices.
To show my daughter beauty and love everywhere around her.
To strengthen my marriage and show my husband how much I value him.
Love him.
Grow with him.
Make memories with him.
Dream with him.

Every day is a chance to participate in life.
Life is choices, consequences, tears, and laughter.
But never a game.