Rethinking traditions

I can't believe it's been a year since I wrote this post. That this time last year, my family was saying goodbye to my grandmother.  

Once again, I'm surprised by how quickly the year has gone by. Why am I surprised, over and over? I suppose it's because I measure time by the big events. But when I let my thoughts fall on each month, one by one, I can see the expanse of the year gone by.

I remember writing about how my grandmother's passing marked the end of a tradition, all of those Christmas Eves spent in her living room. 

This weekend, I saw another tradition forming. Neighbors gathering to carve pumpkins: 

I'm beginning to think about these traditions differently. I'm letting go of the expectations I usually attach to them. The idea that this is how we do things, that this is the way it has to be.

In this season, I want to experience my days with new eyes, understanding we can't always guarantee "next time". 

I want to take days like these, and appreciate them, and live them, as the special, unique things that they are. Whether the occasion happens one single time or circles back around dozens of times.  

It's beginning to feel like fall around here. And I welcome it, once again. 

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Angie Mizzell

I write about motherhood, writing, redefining success, and living a life that feels like home.

http://angiemizzell.com
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I saved the best for last.

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This feels perfect for a Monday