Reflection

It is common during this time of year for people to do some reflecting on the past. The holidays tend to bring this out in people. I can picture families all over, gathered together for Christmas, saying those two words that can spark laughter, tears and maybe even some resentment, "Remember when...". It has been several years since we've had a big family get-together. There are a lot of reasons why and, for the sake of this blog, I won't get into that. No one wants to read a long diatribe about my family's dysfunction. However, as I reflect, I do miss the times that our family would get together and share memories.


Of course, the coming new year is another prime time to take on some personal reflection. We all have regrets and moments that we wish we could change. There are also those priceless moments that we wish we could go back and live again. Looking back over this past year, there are so many memories and thoughts that swirl around in my head. Just trying to slow them down and sort them out gives me a headache. If I look back though and just skim the surface of 2011, I would say that it has been the absolute most horrible year of my life. In some ways, yes...it did suck. But if I dig deeper, I find a lot of moments that were blessings to me and my family.


It is easy to overlook the blessings (big or small) when bad things happen in life. I have a lot to thank God for. We should all awaken each day and thank Him for giving us another day on this earth. In 2011, I found out who my true friends are and who was just there when it was convenient for them. My eyes were opened to new friends who have touched my life in ways that they probably don't even realize. And there were moments in 2011 that I am grateful to have had.


I have some goals for the new year that I hope to accomplish before it ends. I know that most resolutions are tossed aside after a week or two, but it all boils down to desire. How badly do I want to change these things? I guess I will find out. The key is to not give up if I falter. Self-confidence isn't one of my top attributes, but I am very stubborn. Time to put Stubbornness up against Low Self Esteem and see which one prevails!