Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Thursday, 09 January 2025 10:05

An Intentional Masterpiece
by Teresia Smith

Flipping the calendar sometimes brings anxiety. A lot of people feel overwhelmed at the thought of starting a new year and the expectation of making resolutions of change. In reality, a new year is just a time vessel where each day holds potential for new beginnings. Each new day brings the freedom to shape your life as you choose and fresh opportunities to chase your dreams.
Someone once said, “Each sunrise offers a blank canvas, a chance to paint a new masterpiece with hope, intention, and a renewed sense of possibility. Embrace the fresh start that every morning brings, for it is a reminder that life is a continuous journey of growth and transformation, and each day is a new beginning, a chance to write a brighter chapter in your story.”
This quote wonderfully reminds us that every new day, represented by a sunrise, is an opportunity to start fresh. We can work to build a life filled with love and purpose, and view each day as a chance to learn, grow, and improve, creating a masterpiece of our life like an artist with a blank canvas.

As an artist paints a masterpiece with intentionality, we too can actively choose actions that will create the fulfilling life of which we dream. Life is not static, but everchanging. A continuous process of learning and growing and transforming. If you desire to make positive changes in your life, start by reflecting on what goals you hope to achieve and then make a plan on how you want to proceed. Intentionally set your goals and approach your plans with a positive mindset. Don’t be fooled into thinking there won’t be setbacks or disappointments. In life, there will be obstacles. However, we can choose to view those as opportunities for learning and growth.

“No matter where you are or what you’re facing, remember this: you don’t have to have it all together to take the next step. Life isn’t about being perfect or fearless—it’s about showing up, even when you’re unsure. The smallest act of courage, the quietest moment of persistence, can shift everything. Trust that you’re growing in ways you can’t always see, and even the messiest parts of your journey are shaping something beautiful. Keep going—you’re closer to something good than you think.” (Writer’s Blossoms)

If you are starting over after an abusive relationship, we want to encourage and support you. When in the midst of trauma, it’s hard to see a bright future but you can paint your own masterpiece. There may be hardships, discouragement, and setbacks; however, we want to journey beside you as an encourager while you set goals and work to achieve those goals. Having a good support system can be key to successfully moving forward after an abusive relationship. We offer a nonjudgemental, safe place to work through your thoughts and emotions as you heal. A place where you belong.

Crisis Services of North Alabama staffs an office in Jackson County where we offer support groups, crisis counseling, court advocacy, access to safe shelter, compassionate listening, and referrals to victims of intimate partner violence or sexual assault. You may contact our office at 256.574.5826 for an appointment with an advocate. We also offer a 24/7 HELPline, where you can speak with a trained crisis counselor at 256.716.1000. Reach out. You are not alone.