12/27/2025
Christmas morning I went on a bike ride in Briarbrook in Carl Junction, and it was hard to believe it was Christmas… it was almost 70°.
I live just a few minutes from Briarbrook, and I love riding my bike out there. I enjoy the ponds, the quiet, the space to breathe. It’s one of those places that helps my mind slow down. There are two bridges in Briarbrook that I call my Prayer Bridges. I like to stop there, think, pray, and speak truth.
On my ride, I saw a dad walking right beside his son, teaching him how to drive what looked like a brand-new four wheeler—gas powered, not the battery kind. I’m guessing it was a Christmas gift. The dad stayed right there with him the whole time, step for step. I also saw a family walking together—husband, wife, kids—and I rode past homes with cars lined up everywhere, people gathered up and celebrating Christmas.
And being out there just reminded me how much life has changed over the years.
For a minute, my mind went to, “I miss what used to be.” Sometimes that’s grief. And grief is real. And honestly, the holidays can bring that out in people more than they want to admit. If that’s you, it’s okay to feel it. Just don’t let your brain tell you a story that isn’t the full truth.
So I did what I teach my clients to do: I checked my thoughts against the truth.
The truth is, I celebrated Christmas Eve with family at my parents’ house. The truth is, today at 3:00 Amelia is coming over and some of my family is too, and we’re going to eat and celebrate and open gifts. The truth is, I’m thankful I get to take time on Christmas to go for a bike ride, decompress, and be out in nature—one of my favorite things to do.
The truth is, I’m thankful for my counseling practice in Joplin, Missouri and Bentonville, Arkansas. The truth is, I’m thankful for my friends and for my family. The truth is, I’m thankful for Journey Through Slime and my slime team. And the truth is, I’m not alone.
Amelia and I were talking recently about some possible changes for the future, and I said, “Babe… why would I want to make that change? Life is good right now.” And she said, “Dad… life can be different and still be beautiful. It can be even more beautiful.”
Sometimes people get stuck in the past season and what used to be, and they talk themselves into being sad when that’s not really the truth. I’m thankful for the season I’m in right now, and I look forward to the next season and what God has in store.
Life can be hard, but life can also be beautiful. Think about what’s beautiful in your life. In other words… what is the truth?
I’m accepting new clients at both of my South Main locations in Joplin, Missouri and Bentonville, Arkansas. If you’d like to schedule your next appointment, give me a call at 417-553-8000. I want to give you hope while on your journey.
I am so thankful I went on that bike ride on Christmas. I learned a lot out there. Like Amelia said… life can be different and still be beautiful. It can be even more beautiful.
— Travis Bolin, LPC
Journey Towards Hope Counseling
Licensed in Missouri and Arkansas