2009 is winding down and these last few weeks will probably be fairly quiet beyond some time spent with friends and family through the holidays. It’s a time when many people, including myself, reflect upon the year past and look forward to the coming year.
Looking back I have mixed emotions about the last 12 months. This was a rough year for a lot of people. Personally it’s been a rough year for me as well, but I really have to consider myself lucky. Any difficulties I’ve had this year pale in comparison to those faced by my friends and family. I’ll just be thankful that my road hasn’t been as difficult as theirs this year, and do my best to help and be supportive when I can.
In that way, “thankful” really sums up my feelings for the year. A lot of things in my life are up in the air right now. As fluid as the situation is, I’ve been incredibly lucky thus far and once again I’ve grown to really appreciate the close friendships I have & the simple pleasures of life. I look forward to the new year unsure of many things. There’s no telling what life will look like 6 or 12 months from now, but I know that changes are coming. Oddly, whatever may be in store for me, I’m kind of looking forward to it. Once again I have the opportunity to grow and learn, and I see that as a good thing.
It is with that feeling of thankfulness and gratitude that I look back on 2009. The year brought plenty of less-than-stellar moments. I’d rather focus on the bright spots. I’m thankful for the people I have in my life, near and far. I’m thankful for my health, and the relative health of my family. I think in this year I’ve learned to accept love and kindness in many small ways, and I think that has helped me to feel not quite so alone in this world.
With that in mind, I’ll be making some posts about the bright spots of 2009. If you’re someone who takes the time to read my occasional ramblings here, then YOU are at the top of my list of things to be thankful for. I love you all, and I hope 2010 treats you all much better than this past year has.