You're Smart. You're Beautiful. You'll Be Fine.

Six months ago I wrote a blog called Ready to be kissed . Perhaps I should have been more specific.

On my very first midlife date, a handsome Vermont bachelor gave me this advice, Youre smart. Youre beautiful. Youll be fine. I was wearing my wedding ring at the time, still uncertain if I was ready to take the plunge and ask my husband of 16 years for a divorce. I met this man by accident in my new role as a family innkeeper at the Wilburton Inn in Manchester Vermont. The jolt of chemistry combined with his words gave me the final boost of confidence and clarity that I should end my marriage.

We went on a mere handful of dates, yet I spent months talking about him with my patient friends. He was never right for me, but it was as if I were a duckling and hed been imprinted on me and so I waddled after him. That one sentence however, was an enormous gift. It set me free. He was right. And four years later, my life is so much more than fine. It is truly incredible.

We all have to kiss (or at least swipe) a lot of frogs till until we meet our prince. My resolution for 2018 is to appreciate the lessons I learn from each romance and not get entrenched in the what ifs once a relationship is over.

A smart older woman told me to enjoy the process of selecting a puppy as much as having the dog itself. I used that approach this Fall touring a dozen boarding schools with my son. Where ever he ends up going to school, the process of finding the right school was a joy in itself. So, now that Ive thrown my hat in the ring of finding true love, I want to enjoy each text and date along the way. They are all journeys to Ithaca. And getting there is half the fun.

Tonight is New Years Eve. Who knows who we will kiss beneath the mistletoe or meet in the new year.

May 2018 be filled with love in all its many guises: love between siblings, parents, children and friends and romantic love between that is red hot and passionate and expands and matures as it grows deeper through time.

No matter what, always remember, we are all smart and beautiful. And we will all be fine.

Happy New Year!