Nov 18 2009
Reflecting on 2009
As I was looking through this morning’s paper, one section caught my attention so much that I even tweeted about it. The tweet, and the section (paraphrased), simply stated: ”Today is Wed., Nov 22nd, 322 day of the year. There are 43 days left in 2009″. My first reaction was wow, only 43 days left and I have a lot to do still. I mean I’ve got emails to finish, thank you cards to send out, Christmas shopping to do, memberships to report, a plan of action to write for the SCV Jaycees, a plan of action to finish for the CA Jaycees, my own plan of action to review, a niece (Taelyn) to welcome into the world within the next week or so, start my new job, pack my belongings, move… and the list can go on and on. I am the type of person that always looks forward – at the opportunity, at the possibility that life brings. But in order to fully appreciate everything that is in store for these next 43 days, I’ve decided to take a step back and look at the last 322 days.
This year has been a particularly challenging one – so much more so than the last few. I started the year working for a company I adore and then was there to unfortunately help close the doors 4 months later. I started off this year with a place I could call home, and today I find myself dreading the packing process to move out. I started off this year swearing that I would let an organization that I had lost a little faith become what it may, only to step in as President because the course of events reminded me of how much I truly care about the future of the California Junior Chamber.
This year I lost a couple of friends due to differences, but I made new ones. I’ve maintained hope, albeit there were days that just seemed to look so dreary, and that hope eventually opened new doors. I’ve looked to my family and friends more times than I would have liked to – but it was them that reminded me that good things are just over the horizon.
Today I find myself reflecting. And, in the Spirit of Thanksgiving, which is a mere 8 days away, I find myself thankful for my family and my friends. Thankful for the opportunities that have surfaced out of the challenges 2009 presented. I find myself looking forward to the next chapter in my life and content in the knowledge that 2010 also offers new opportunities yet to be discovered.
Happy Thanksgiving!
