The year is what you make of it...
"There either is or is not, that’s the way things are. The colour of the day. The way it felt to be a child. The saltwater on your sunburnt legs. Sometimes the water is yellow, sometimes it’s red. But what colour it may be in memory, depends on the day. I’m not going to tell you the story the way it happened. I’m going to tell it the way I remember it." - Charles Dickens (Great Expectations)
The year is slowly coming to a close. I have my version and you have yours. We go through many emotions and understandings during a year. As I get older I find myself reflecting more. I find that no one lives the same year as you, no matter the closeness of your acquaintance. In every moment there are many sides. So we can only tell the stories of the year as we remember. You might remember a moment that stood out among them all, but that doesn't mean it was a moment to everyone involved.
This is a photo of me just moments ago, date Dec. 21, 2010.
Here is a photo of me last year, Dec. 24, 2009.
I was indeed happy in the 2009 photo. I chose that photo because I remember that moment standing in the snow, such a rare snow fall. The kids, Mark, and I played in the snow for hours. We laughed and chased each other through the snow. In the photo taken today, I am sitting at work. Nothing special, just work. I am ten pounds lighter this year, wearing new glasses, but I am indeed the same me from the outside. On the inside I am forever changed, as I am at every year ending. As each of you have surely changed this last year.
2011 will be much different from 2010. I have learned a great deal about myself and about life in general. I don't plan on making the same mistakes of my past, although I am sure to make new ones.
Normally I write out my wishes for the New Year. I don't quite feel like that today, maybe later. Today I just feel like letting myself know, next year I will shine brighter, live better, and always stay true to myself. After all, I am the only one who lives my moments. I am the only one who sees what I see, hears what I hear, and remembers what I remember. Which means this life really is whatever I make it, no matter who or what gets in my way.
I hope you all have a Happy Holiday Season.