Gifts From a Year

When I started writing this blog, I had hoped to reflect on each day and find the gifts therein. I mean, each day of life is a precious gift unto itself, and a day worth living must hold a take away - a lesson, an opportunity, an emotion ... something. I started off half heartedly but by last December I stepped it up and challenged myself to write - every day. And it was the best gift I could ever have given myself. I managed 345 posts. I vowed that no matter what else was going on in my life, writing would not be the thing that would be short changed. For the first time ever, I made it - me - a priority. And I am reaping the fruits of my labour of love.

This past year I have lived more mindfully, consciously ... seeking out the gifts in each day. Writing has given me a sense of freedom to explore and excavate my ideas and thoughts on issues - to express the deepest part of myself. I have learned much about myself - from myself.  Through my reflections and explorations I have learned what is important to me as well as what and who can bring meaning to my life.

I made my camera my constant companion, carrying it with me at all times. I noted and captured the colour and textures in everything around me and found beauty in the ordinary.

I lived more fully, in every moment and the most important thing I learned ... I write about that which I need most to learn, know and practice.

So 2009 was the year in which I gave myself the gift and luxury of daily writing and through that, I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. I will remember 2009 as the year I set my creative self free.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Post Note: I know from reading your blogs that many of you have suffered great pain, struggles and upheaval  this past year, and my heart goes out to each one of you. I am a firm believer that it is always darkest before the dawn and that the law of nature dictates that change is inevitable. So as I raise my chipped champagne flute filled with flat white wine, I toast that the winds of change and a new year will usher in hope and a peace and that there will be better times ahead. Thank you to all of you who have been a part of my year of self discovery and offered thoughtful words of encouragement and kindness. I could feel the heartbeat of humankind and universal love. Happy New Year! Let's affirm that 2010 will be a very good year.