Should auld acquaintance be forgot…
I started to write my first crack at the “Year in Review” post back in October. Then, I decided to just delete it and start from scratch. Like last-minute Christmas shopping, I’m now scrambling to get this blog post up before it’s 2013 and I’m too late.
For regular readers, friends, family and acquaintances alike, you all know that I absolutely hate the year 2012. In just a few hours from now, I’m happy to report that this year is over and it’s time for a fresh start.
However, to go through a year like I did and not take some lessons out of it would be a waste of time. I think the universe was testing me this year and, I’d like to think that I succeeded in passing the test. I showed myself that I can be pretty resilient. It’s something that I didn’t know I had in me (at least to the point that I had to be resilient this year) and I’m not sure where it comes from, but I’m really happy to know that I can go through turmoil, stay calm (ish) and come out the other end stronger and more focused.
So, what did I learn in 2012?
First, I learned that love is a brutal thing. I’m not ashamed to say that I was in love this year. I’m not ashamed to say that feeling isn’t there anymore and I wish that person nothing but the best. I go in to 2013 more knowledgeable about what I want in a relationship, what I expect from other people and how I want to be treated by a partner or potential partner.
Second, I learned that I don’t just want a job where I churn out mindless items for various clients, making no difference for something. It took some career changes to find that out, but I’m in a job now where I get to work with amazing people and make a difference in the city. That makes me feel good about going to work each and every day. It’s the first time I’ve felt that way in a long time, which is a nice change.
Third, and most importantly, I learned that I have the best friends and family in the whole world. Sure, I already had a pretty good idea of that being the case but 2012 confirmed it. I asked a lot from a great deal of people and they never complained about it once. I couldn’t ask for a more encouraging, supportive group of people. I hope that this coming year, I can repay that favour and show you that just like you were there for me, I’ll be there for you.
I didn’t think of this until Christmas Eve, but when I was visiting with two of my aunts on my Dad’s side of the family, I remembered a sign my Papa had on his back door for guests coming to his house. He put it up every winter and I think the message he left for visitors applies to how I approached 2012: “Walkway is slippery. If you fall down, you’ll just have to get back up.” He was right then and is right now; I fell down a few times this year, but I just kept getting back up. Sure, I may have a few bruises, but I’m no worse off than I was before I fell.
With that out of the way, I wish each and every one of you a happy, safe and healthy 2013. Tonight, I’ll raise a glass (of G&T of course) to the many adventures to come. I hope all of you will be there with me for them!
