goodbye 2008

These days are glorious and blessed. They are filled with a number of things to do and each morning when my feet touch the cold floor I am so thankful. Looking back on 2008 I wonder where the time has gone...each month held something significant to my days and before I can embrace the new year with new goals and fresh ideas, I always feel like I have to pay homage to the days that carried me through to here.

In 2008:

I got to know me a little better in this stage of life. I began to see myself outside of being a mom and decided I'm going to be OK when the kids leave the nest.

Two left the nest, one came back...and I learned being supportive no matter what I'm feeling is humbling and I'd have it no other way.

Spending time with my biological father while he was dying was the right thing to do.

Studying and losing sleep and being doubtful was a reality check that college in my 40's is much more difficult than it would have been in my 20's....but helped me gain perseverance and a new appreciation for learning.

Children will rise to the occasion of what you expect from them...if your expectations are low, so then will be their efforts...self-esteem goes a long, long way...but it isn't everything...at some point they really do need to feel their own worth, not just hear it.

Getting outside of myself and serving homeless people has taught me a lot about humanity. People who "have" aren't nearly as likely to share as those who have very little and people are most generous around the holidays...apparently, caring is seasonal. Homeless people don't scare me anymore...they've helped me become more of a people person.

Everyone has a story and it is worth my time to listen no matter how old, what color, or who they voted for.

Friends are very, very precious and each one is a treasure to me.

My parents are wise beyond words and it is very difficult watching them grow old and I wonder if it will be as difficult for my own children when it is my turn and will they think me as wise?

Laughter truly is the best medicine.

A due date is a due date and no amount of procrastination is going to extend it.

Walking daily helps clear the mind, stretch the legs and lower cholesterol.

I do not make New Year's resolutions because everyday is a new starting point when there is something I want to accomplish...but here are the Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Americans. I thought they were pretty typical...the only one I would add is to be more ecologically minded in consumption....oh, and to smile more...and I can see where the list can grow and grow...it's a good thing there are 365 days in the year to improve upon things. I can relate to a couple of these for sure!

1. spend more time with family and friends
   
2. exercise more


3. lose weight


4. quit smoking


5. enjoy life more


6. quit drinking


7. get out of debt


8. learn something new


9. help others


10. get organized
    

Wishing you JoY as you celebrate special memories of 2008 and gather hope for 2009!