Many people have asked me in the last couple of weeks if I am just ready to start a new year. “It’s going to be better” they say.
Yes, I am so ready to start a new year. I’m ready for fresh beginnings. Clean slates. But….I don’t know if it’s going to be better. I do know the calendar will turn. I know I will get up every single day and it will be a new one. A good one. Or a bad one. Or an exciting one. A happy one. A sad one. Regardless of the kind, I will be here and live it. And that’s what makes me… me. All of those days and the effect I let them have on me.
I have learned a lot about myself and my family this past year.
I’ve learned we are stronger than I ever imagined we would have to be.
These past few months of my life I’ve learned that one single moment, one single phone call, a simple look….. and your life is different from now on. I’ve learned that over and over and over again.
I’ve learned that tears are okay.
I’ve learned that the next day always comes, no matter what happens the day prior. Always.
I’ve learned how much I truly love coffee. It truly makes me happy. Makes a day that much more manageable.
I’ve learned assuming the worst isn’t the best thing to do, but sometimes the worst actually does happen. And then you deal with it. And then in the process of dealing with it, it, whatever that may be just becomes part of you. “It” sometimes helps you be the person you are meant to become.
I’ve learned that science and technology and doctors can help us.
I’ve also learned sometimes they can’t. And that’s OK.
I have learned that I can feel the pain of my spouse. To think the thoughts he’s scared to think.
I’ve learned that a person can go through 30 days of straight radiation, and still be able to run around in the back yard every day of it.
I’ve learned that twinkle lights can electrocute you. That it can later cause an irrational fear of Christmas lights.
I’ve learned that, even if someone breaks down your door, you can put it back together and still love your home.
I’ve learned that mother nature will sometimes destroy that home you love…. it can be rebuilt.
I’ve learned that the love of an animal is priceless, and even though their lives can be heartbreaking to their caretakers, it is worth it. Very, very worth it.
I’ve learned the love and kindness of strangers. And the kindness of friends.
I’ve learned that sometimes, God takes people we love away… at the worst possible times. That people get sick too. And the day still goes on. God is never really concerned with timing. And that’s OK.
I’ve learned how accept hugs and give hugs more freely.
I’ve learned adventures can start in your back yard. They are also pretty fun in a far off world. That everyday can be an adventure. But time away is necessary.
I’ve learned that little things, little problems… really aren’t problems at all.
I’ve learned that there are so many more people with so much more going on than I have… and to be thankful for the good things in a day.
So, I will start the upcoming year with more strength. Better Perspective. More appreciation and more love than the previous year. I think that’s a good beginning…… don’t you?