Tying up loose ends...

As we get ready to ring in the new year, I can't help but think how ready I am to leave 2012 behind. With everything that has happened this year, I am actually in disbelief that my last post was 7 months ago. How is that possible?! When did time acquire super human velocity?

There are so many things that I could talk about to reflect on the type of year that 2012 has been for me.  I have had ups of course, with many things to celebrate, but there have also been many downs. Perhaps, though, the principle point taken from this past year is discovering what my character is actually made of when faced with adversities and challenges completely unforeseen.

I didn't deal with them prettily or in a dignified manner. BUT, I did stand back up. Each time with a renewed hope and drive to finish what I started. And I think....that may be the point, the valuable lesson we each so desperately need to learn.  Life is not an easy journey if we wish to take everything we can from it. This crazy whirlwind of events, moments, and people is a challenge when we choose to participate and participate fully.

I can look back on this year and hate a great many things about it--the frustrations with my studies, unexpected obstacles, and endings that I never imagined possible. I look back at myself in each of these situations, and I think of how I felt then and how I feel now.

As trying and difficult as each obstacle seemed at the time, I can see how I grew in these moments. We forget many times that life is a never-ending learning experience, one that will only stop with death. I see myself now with a stronger constitution, as a woman who knows what she is capable of and what she deserves out of life. Yet, I must remember that I will have more lessons to learn, more trials to face, and of course more adventures to take.

So I don't have hard feelings towards 2012. I am taking from it the good parts, the vital lessons, and renewed self-assurance.  I can look back with no regrets. I gave my best even at my worst, told others how I felt, and worked harder than I've ever worked before. And...in the end isn't that all we can ask of ourselves--is to give our best, be who we are, and work hard?

So with that, I'm tying up my loose ends, closing out 2012 happily and ready for my next adventure. I think the time has come also...to close this blog. While my student life may not be finished completely, there is a facet of the person I have been these past two years that has grown out of certain places, certain habits, and certain people. Where it plans to grow has yet to be seen, but I look forward to finding out in the coming year. I have big plans. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!