A new year has just begun, and with it I must stop for a moment to remember where I was a year ago and express how grateful I am for the many things that were good about 2008. I believe that the thing in 2008 for which I am most grateful is that I stepped out of my comfort zone on many occasions. Stepping away from our everyday routines is not easy. In fact, it can be downright frightening. Yet, I’d have to say, more often than not, stepping out is a catalyst for growth, often on many levels.
At the heart of my nature, I’m a shy and introverted individual. I know, to some of you who are reading this and don’t know me that well, you may think I’m insane-how could I possibly be introverted? Whether you believe it or not, I am an introvert. Yet, when I gain a level of comfort, it is much easier for me to come out of my shell.
If I look back at where I was-mentally and emotionally-just one year ago, I’m amazed at the progress I’ve made. My closest friends tell me often that I’m not the same person I was back than. And, that’s all for the better. I’m a more settled, happy, content, focused person than I have ever been before. There are moments of set-backs, moments of fear, frustration and self-doubt, but in the grander picture, life has never been better. To have experienced the beauty of true love and acceptance, true friendship, has covered a multitude of sins.
Here’s my confession: Although I’ve come so very far, I know in my heart of hearts that there is still a long road ahead. Questions come to me each and every day about how to maintain who I am. Questions come to me to about where life is headed, where relationships are headed. When will my house sell? Will there be enough money to buy cat food this month? With all those questions, I know that their answers are often just around the corner. It might take a little more beating around in the school of hard knocks, but answers, solutions and peace will ultimately come.
Let it never be said that I am ungrateful, for it is my priority to live a life of gratitude and joy, of harmony and friendship. Each day is a journey, each day is a gift. And, my goal is to treat each day as though it were my last day of life.
May grace and gratitude attend you, my friends, as you open up new chapters of your life in 2009.
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