The sun is peeking through the bitter cold of a January morning in Minnesota. Welcome 2011.
We had fun at a friend's house with their kids and mine last night...and I scheduled a coffee date with a new friend for New Year's morning...but unfortunately that didn't work out for her today. So, I find myself with some not-so-common time to myself and time to write a bit and remember. I believe that many of my friends find that the end of the year and beginning of the next bring thoughts of time...the old and the new, reflections on what was and what could have been...and hopes and thoughts of what might be coming in the days and months ahead.
The past year in my life was strange, and somewhat not unusual. I specifically remember the feelings of coming out of my own dark last winter into spring, of walking through grief with friends who lost mothers, a wife (my dear friend), a baby, and my own husband's grandmother who passed shortly after Easter. The grief continues to be a familiar feeling...and I feel carried throughout it all. I walked my second 5K race (well, 6K technically) and I felt physically better than I have in many years. I saw a dear friend get ordained and shared my dreams with friends on Facebook. My relatives from Japan visited for a bit, and I stripped and stained my deck all by myself with a color that I really like. I saw my youngest one begin kindergarten and my oldest begin her last year in primary school. I attended my 25th high school class reunion and found new confidence in who I am becoming. I began and finished several major projects at work where I had an integral role. I had new conversations about dessert plates, excitement, and potential. I even jumped on board with a new distraction that has been very energizing for me, and I've met several new friends who share similar interests and passion for life. My marriage has been getting stronger, and I respect my husband in new ways this year. I've never walked this road before...and I suspect I won't walk it the same way again.
I'm sure there are many memories that will continue to haunt me into the New Year...or some that will carry hope and energy into it; because I believe that who we have been shapes who we are and who we will become. I'm stepping into 2011 with eyes wide open, looking for possibilities...but trying not to overlook the people and simple things that bring peace and joy. May the New Year bring you alert to the fullness of life in all that you do, as I hope it also does for me.
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