It’s been a funny old year. I’ve celebrated my 40th birthday. Also, for one reason and another I’ve spent a vast amount of time at home.
I’ve learned a lot about myself this year, things that I’ve heard people say about me for a long time but I’ve always brushed the comments to one side because I didn’t know what to do with the compliment or observation. Some of the things I’ve learned (the most important ones I think) have been the hard way. But that’s sometimes the only way to learn. Some of the big things I’ve learned this year have been:
- Asking for help is okay. This doesn’t mean I’m weak or that I’ve failed.
- Being independent is good. But there is a fine line between being independent and being stubborn. Letting people help once in a while is a good thing.
- I am a far stronger person than I ever thought I was.
- Giving up is not only never an option it’s never even entered my brain that I could.
- I’ve learned how brief life can be and just how unexpected it can end. I’ve felt my own mortality more than once this year.
- I’ve learned there are far more good people in this world than there are bad. It’s just that the bad people get more press.
- I’ve marveled at that strength of others. When faced with things that seem to be insurmountable and bring me to tears. They get up, dust themselves off and keep going. They give me strength by being strong themselves.
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned this year is what true friendship is all about. It transcends miles, years, stupidity and lack of good judgment. I’ve been back in touch with old friends, kept in touch with friends I’ve made here and re-found friends I’ve lost touch with. I’ve also made a lot of new friends this year.
My friends here have proven to be an amazing group of people. They have rolled with the punches, stuck up for me, looked out for me, kicked my ass when I needed it. They’ve propped up the sky when I thought it was falling.They’ve fed me cake and made me tea. They’ve made me laugh, and most important of all, they’ve let me be me.
2011 is coming at me, I can see it through the windshield on the horizon.