And Just Like That

“What feels like the end is often the beginning.”— Unknown

Hello, Beautiful People.

And just like that, the chapter closed — not with answers, but with peace.

I walked out of 2025 and into 2026 knowing that many chapters in my life were coming to an end, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace about it. I’m so excited for the chapters ahead because, while they may feel unwritten, the truth is I’ve spent years writing them. Years forming them. Years working toward them.

But before I could move forward, I had to make peace with what I was leaving behind.

I would sometimes go back and reread those chapters, searching for answers — answers I didn’t always find. Sometimes I stayed a little longer than I should have, just in case. But now, even without answers, I finally have the peace I needed to close those chapters and move forward.

And just like that, the year I’ve been waiting for is here.

When I was ten, I learned that seniors get discounts and “special” treatment at places. I thought that meant senior in high school. I couldn’t wait to be in 12th grade. I imagined going to the movies for less and drinking McDonald’s coffee for almost nothing — I swear I remember hearing it was five cents, but that was the ’80s.

The day I found out that “senior” actually meant 55, I was crushed.

So I made a decision.

When I turn 55, that will be the beginning of the most magical time of my life. Everything will fall into place.

And here we are.

March 18th — I turn 55. And it feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life for my life to start. I can’t fully explain it, but when you know, that you know, that you know… yeah — it’s like that.

My daughter used to say, “I’m just ready for my real life to start.” I always understood her. I knew she was rushing through some of the best years of her life because I was doing the same thing — waiting for my real life to begin.

I don’t know what she was waiting for, and I pray daily that she sees and enjoys every moment of the beautiful life she’s built now.

While I did stop and enjoy moments along the way — the best I could — I always knew, deep down, that 55 and beyond was it for me.

I know I’ll likely have another 45 years, if not more. But as someone who was always focused on the next thing, never fully able to enjoy the now because I knew I was working toward something else — I’m ready for the peace that comes with arriving.

To outsiders, this chapter may look the same. But to me — someone who has waited — it feels entirely different. There is peace in finally resting. Peace in closing chapters. Peace in seeing the things ahead lining up because of the work I put in years ago.

Are there moments I wish I had slowed down? Yes — especially when my children were young. But I will no longer look back at those chapters with sadness or regret. I did the best I could with what I had at the time.

Now, I move forward with my head held high.

And just like that, without answers but with peace, I found the good in my life.

I hope whatever you are looking for, waiting for, that you too will always Find The Good In Your Life.