You know those places and spaces in life that speak deeply to you and remind you the essence of life are? Mine is a road.

I don’t know how many countless miles I’ve walked on that road. I’ve walked fast. I’ve walked slow. I’ve dance on that road. I’ve laid down on that road at various times. I’ve prayed many prayers. I have cried and wept from the deepest parts of my soul. And I have laughed and celebrated on that stretch of dirt as well.

Today when I took a walk it gave me another insight and lesson to life that I really wanted to share. With the recent rains and melting snow, I hadn’t expected- or even considered- what that road might look like when I took off on my walk. I found myself just needing a moment of quiet solitude and getting back to the simplicity of nature.

So I laced up my shoes and set off on my way. As I rounded the corner I was surprised to see deep ruts and grooves in it. 3 feet deep, exposing rock, glass, rusted metal pins, and old cement. It had washed grasses out of the ditch and across the road where it flooded over.

I was reminded that even when we think we know where the road is going, we never truly know what it may hold in store for us. Despite the deep grooves and ruts I always – always – find something of beauty looking back at me. Whether it’s a rock that stands out against the rest, a fallen feather, or the sun shining through the frost making it look like the colors of a prism dancing on the grasses.

It got me thinking about the road for TAN and where we’re heading as we move into a new year.

We’re celebrating our 5th year on January 28! {enter celebration dance here}  It’s the mile marker for businesses that says you actually withstood the test of time and if after 5 years you’re still here you’ll be OK. 

Keep going.

I don’t know exactly what this year look will look like even though I can see the direction we’re heading. As I reflect back over the past 5 – they all look different. Something happened, something grew. We have had to pivot, we’ve had to realign. Each year takes it’s own path. 

However, the entire walk’s been filled with so much love and grace and beauty. So much that I can’t even begin to express it in a simple blog post.

As we move into 2023 I have an idea of where we are trying to head, I truly don’t know what that road will look like. I’m so excited to walk this path and find the beauty even if I have to jump over a couple deep ruts! Life has a way of testing our tenacity and devotion like that.

Friends, I am beyond grateful you’re here on this walk with me! It has been an absolute blessing to bring Tough As Nails  along and reach this five mile marker. Let’s keep going!

Thank you for joining me on my road. Many blessings as you walk your path in 2023 and may you always keep your eyes open looking for the beauty in the road.