Coming to an End

2008 is just about over. And I’m happy. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t necessarily think that from Wednesday to Thursday there will be some immensely profound change in the universe and life as I know it will change forever, I just feel ready to put this year behind me. I am looking forward to saying and writing 2009. For so many years I had this intense focus on the year 2008. It seemed as if this year was the end point for everything I was focused on and it left me a little dazed and confused for a little while. (Read some older posts if you need to know what I’m referring to). I had this year mapped out in my mind for so long and it was everything but what I had imagined. It was a lot of disappointment, confusion, and a lot of heartbreak. Not to say that this year didn’t bring me some positive moments and some good memories, because I’m sure that it did. It most certainly has been a year that allowed me to learn a lot about myself and find out what I’m truly made of and I can’t say that I’m disappointed with the results because as with all things we are dealt in life, they happen for a reason.

I have yet to make any sort of real resolutions for the New Year, except to enjoy it and continue to work on myself. I’ve spent a lot of my life having very specific goals and sacrificing a lot to achieve them. In many ways it’s the only way I know how to live, but at my ripe old age of 28 (soon to be 29), I’m more open to going with the flow. I have my goals and aspirations but there is no ‘bulls eye’ year in my future right now.

The one resolution I am going to work hard at is something I stole from the pastor at Church this past Sunday. It has nothing to do with the New Year per say, but just an ongoing attempt at being a better person and treating people better. Anyway, the pastor’s advice was before you interact with anyone – the barista at Starbucks, your siblings, the person that cut you off on the freeway – say that you love them and then proceed. You don’t actually utter the words out loud, because of course that would be creepy and weird, but just in your head as a reminder that we truly are supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves. And when I thought about this, I realized what a difference it would probably make in how I treated people. It’s a simple thing really and just kind of reminds you that how you treat others is truly a reflection of what’s on the inside.

So here is to a healthy and happy new year. I don’t plan on bringing in the New Year with a bang; I just want to wake up on Thursday morning with a smile on my face and a positive outlook for the 365 days ahead.