First, I would like to wish each and every one of you and your family a very merry, happy, healthy, and safe Christmas this year.

And I also want to thank you all for my best present ever – YOU all year round 24/7! We all shared our pain and tears through our stories and experiences, and used each other’s advice for something that the other never even thought of in using. We all shared laughs when we needed pick-me-ups, and we never judged the other because after all, this is our space to vent and to be heard. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can come to StepTalk, voice my opinion of any painful situation that I am going through, and you are there when I need you; no questions asked! What better present can anyone ask for than a friend?! You are my friends!!!

I also want to thank you for showing me how to become a better person - by disengaging and reminding myself that I am important even though I am “just the wife!”

All of you, in your own way, helped me to like ME again! I am learning to laugh, relax, smile, and I am not longer sweating the small stuff like I use to.

I’m sure for the next couple weeks we are all going to be in situations where we are uncomfortable to be in - we are going to be around people that either despise us or we despise them; we’ll get gifts of love, gifts of no thought, or we just won’t get gifts. We will even feel like we’re busting our ass off for people who wished we weren’t even around. And we do it all simply because it’s the Christmas season!

Just remember, whatever you do, StepTalk is here for you!

For the next three weeks (when I’m around people that I know wish I didn’t exist) I am going to keep reminding myself this one important question – what really matters TO ME during this time when they’re here - is it my husband? Is it myself? Is it his kids? I believe that MY thoughts are going to allow me to be the better person than they are. I KNOW that I have nothing to prove to them!

So my Christmas wish to all of you is I hope for you not to be angry! I know that sounds weird to hear, but please don’t wish this holiday to go by so fast because of the people or situation around you. Take time to enjoy this Christmas because remember, this is YOUR Christmas too, not just theirs. Ask yourself – what matters the most to me? We ALL deserve to have a happy holiday just like everyone else; unfortunately, we just have to be stronger than they are.

I just saw something on Facebook that I would like to share – “You can’t change how people feel about you, so don’t try. Just live your life and be happy!”

Merry Christmas and the best to you!

Love,
Toywas