Danielle Pelkey: It’s never too late to turn for the better

Opinion

Discussion

August 3, 2012

Danielle Pelkey: It’s never too late to turn for the better

By Danielle Pelkey North Jefferson News The North Jefferson News Fri Aug 03, 2012, 11:14 AM CDT

COMMENTARY — Can you believe that it happened again? Yes, another year rolled around and age sneaked up and caught me off guard.

I can depend on my younger sister to remind me of upcoming birthdays every year. It’s as if she takes great pride in watching the pure shock on my face as I’m reminded of how old I am. It’s true that in my mind, I’m still 23 years old without a care in the world. But the reality of the situation is much different than the fairytale feeling in my mind.

In all honesty, I am 32 years old now. There are things that I’ve done in the past that I would love to never relive again. As most people, I’ve hurt friends, lived crazy and made monumental mistakes. But thankfully, there are a few things that have happened in life that I’ve actually gotten right. Two of the best things to ever happen to me are my daughters. Raygan and Anna are my entire world and I have been blessed to be a mommy for the past five years of my life. It really makes life worth living when you realize that when you’re gone, there will still be a heritage behind you. And hopefully that heritage will be a testimony of the love and grace of God.

That would be the best decision I ever made in my life, the decision to follow Christ. I became a believer when I was 21 years old and although I haven’t always walked out the path He had for me, I can say that more important than any family or friend, my faith in Christ is the most important thing in my life.

When looking back over life, it’s crazy to realize how much people can change and how much we change ourselves. The person you were three years ago may not even recognize the person you are today, and I hope if that is the case, that it’s a good thing. Life throws us curves and it’s up to us to decide what to do with it. Personally, I’ve decided to swing through the curve balls and aim for the fence. So, if you take a long look at yourself right now and don’t like the person you see, then do something about it. It’s never too late to make a turn for the better.

If you think you are too boring, then put a little spice in your life. If you think you run too much, then slow your pace a bit. And if you think you can improve yourself in some way, then make an attempt to do it.

You won’t be perfect, but you can try to improve because we are never too old to work on ourselves. I plan to make the 32nd year of my life even better than the last 31, if that’s even possible. I’ve been given a pretty spectacular life.

Text Only

Opinion

An NJN Editorial: Now we know why we distrust government
If we really needed a reason to prove why the general public typically has great distrust of the federal government, we now have three.

May 16, 2013
Danielle Cater: Moms handle many responsibilities
Mother’s Day has come and gone, but it is still fresh on my mind. As a mom, life takes on a whole new perspective. Many women who don’t have children, dream of the day they will become mothers, not realizing what a difference it will make in their lives.

May 15, 2013
Danielle Cater: Judge by character, not by skin tone
Let’s tackle a tough issue this week. Let’s talk about race.

May 8, 2013
An NJN Editorial: Here’s to resiliency, and rising again from the rubble of disaster
It’s hard to believe, but it has now been two years since the tornadoes of April 27, 2011, that devastated Fultondale and many other communities in Alabama.

May 2, 2013
Danielle Cater: Water your grass and watch it grow
Is anyone ever shocked at a marriage ending in divorce these days?

May 1, 2013
An NJN Editorial: When police get help from the public, good things happen
You’ve heard it from law enforcement agencies for years, through the Crimestoppers program or more direct means: “Folks, we need your help in catching someone.” Or, “If you see something, say something.”

April 25, 2013
Danielle Cater: Keep life fun with good food and friends
Tragedy has struck all over our country this past week, from bombs and bomb threats, to explosions, to interstate wrecks. One thing is certain after this week: Life is full of uncertainty. You never know when you’ll be called out. So while we are here, let’s make the most of our journey.

April 24, 2013
Danielle Cater: One year may change your perspective
Isn’t it amazing to see what a difference a year makes? In just one year, your life can take a totally different shape and direction. Often we are still the same people from year to year, but our situations and circumstances change a lot in only 365 days.

April 18, 2013
Editorial: Only Birmingham can play the race card over an automobile race
If there’s a way to inject the issue of race into any seemingly unrelated matter, you can bet your bottom dollar that a politician in these parts will figure out a way to do it.

April 11, 2013
Danielle Cater: Cell phones make life better — right?
It was 40 years ago last Wednesday when the first call was made on a cell phone. Where has the time gone?

April 10, 2013
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Danielle Pelkey: It’s never too late to turn for the better

Site Map

Contact Us