Well, friends, the time has come to bid farewell to 2016. It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to a close and that I am writing the last post of the year. As I have gotten older, it feels like time has sped up. One year leads into another, and sometimes if it weren’t for Facebook reminding me of what I have done in years past, I might not remember significant events.
I am thankful for every year — despite the high’s and low’s that may accompany them. Each year I learn something new and I grow as a person. So when we get to this time in the year where we start counting down the days until the New Year, I like to reflect on all that has occurred over the last 365 days.
Two thousand sixteen came with unexpected hurdles, challenges, and ultimately a renewed perspective that led to a stronger me. But I am grateful for each one of those struggles. Along with the year’s low points, like learning that my antithyroglobulin antibody levels have increased (indicating a possible recurrence of thyroid cancer) and awaiting instructions on further testing (which has tried my patience), came plenty of positive notes. This year marked a career change and a return to the 9-to-5 life with a significant shift toward a more hopeful and optimistic mindset. I’ve challenged myself to try new things, like taking an InDesign class at the Art League of Long Island (a full review of the class will be coming to the blog soon), and I have experienced some of the benefits that accompany daily meditation. This year taught me that my strength is more formidable than I ever knew, that I can conquer whatever is in front of me, and that my only roadblock sometimes is myself.
This year, I am avoiding New Year’s resolutions, given that they never stick. Last year, I vowed to eat better, become a morning person, exercise more, and limit my stops at Starbucks. Sadly, all of those things fell by the wayside — after the first week of 2016, no less! I have come to terms with the fact that I will probably never be a morning person (really, does anything good happen before 10 am, anyway?), that eating better will be a constant struggle, that sometimes I don’t want to wake up early on a Saturday and go to kickboxing, and that giving up Starbucks is not realistic. We will file these things under the “work in progress” category.
So, yes, this year has certainly had its share of difficult moments, but with each passing year, I get more comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone and standing in my truth. As always, I am grateful for this site and the wonderful blogging community, which constantly offers me support and encouragement. Creating content and having it resonate with you, my readers, is an incredible feeling. Thank you for all of your comments and engagement in 2016. I am looking forward to 2017 and being right back here on Wednesday, January 4th with fresh content.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!
Leave a Reply