End-of-Year reminiscing

[Motorboat Cruiser]

This past year, my 38th on this planet, brought so many mixed emotions. The death of friends, the strengthening of a relationship, the jubilance of a Disneyland birthday and subsequent melancholy that it had passed after so much anticipation.

What did I learn...

1) That I needed to learn to better deal with stress. I survived all of the problems I was faced with, and yet, the worrying is what almost killed me. Some spiritual curiosity gave me a few tools for a new perspective and it has helped a lot.

2) That I love Matthew more each day.

3) That I could regain my musical confidence. This time last year I was frantically searching for the fulfillment that music used to bring to my life. I felt empty, confused, and saddened that I didn't seem to have the same talent that I had earlier in my life. This year taught me that it was only hiding after having been neglected for a few years. I rekindled my love for playing and got many opportunities to get back out playing for people.

4) That I need to remember that people can be taken away at a moments notice and that I need to be more dilligent in letting other know that I care for them.

5) That the more I focus on compassion for others in my life, the more worthwhile I feel.

I hope these lessons will help to provide a better year ahead. I'm going to try harder and worry less and try to remember a little more that ultimately life is good.