My end-of-year thoughts

For me, 2013 sucked.

It was one of the hardest years of my life, and it seemed wherever I turned there was another roadblock, another obstacle, another kick in the groin. I would regain my footing, only to have discouragement and depression drag me down all over again. Personal relationships imploded, either by my mistakes, my neglect, or their actions. People I thought would be in my life forever are gone. I learned that some close to me were never who I thought they were. Feelings of alienation and emptiness dominated the year. Financial hardships were a daily challenge, and made me feel like a failure at life. Throw surgery and workplace drama into the mix, and you have a complete “WTF” year.

That is how I experienced 2013. How I choose to look back on 2013 from day one of 2014 forward, however, is a different story. I am going into the new year deeply in debt…but that only makes it more exciting when I dig myself out. I have lost people important to my life…but that will make me appreciate the ones that replace them. My work experience in 2013 was full of negativity and discouragement as the workplace dissolved…but I made friendships there that will stand the test of time, and an exciting new job offers a chance at new relationships and happy memories that will contrast sharply with the bad ones. Health problems dragged me down in 2013…so I am grateful to be going into 2014 healthy and ready for a new start.

A friend of mine posted a very inspirational entry on Facebook today, and I think his words of encouragement are a great way to end my blog. It sounds like my 2013 was his 2012, so I am looking forward to posting something like this 364 days from now:

“Since this is the last day for 2013 I can’t help but think about 2012. I went from the deepest, darkest place I have ever been in my life and at the point I was so jaded I didn’t think that there was a whole lot of good in this world to being probably one of the most optimistic people on the face of the planet. I went from feeling like I would always being alone and feeling like I wouldn’t ever find someone to love and trust to finding love again and maybe even someone to share the rest of my life with. I went from feeling like I wouldn’t be able to overcome all of my own personal demons and problems that I hadn’t had the courage to face to looking them dead in the eye and eliminating all obstacles in my path! My point is, is that no matter what may have stood in your way in one year, whether it be heartache, adversity, addiction, despair, or loss, whatever may be in your way now, there is always a new day, week, month, and year. We all have new opportunities, but the burden lies with you to determine how you will overcome. You can either sit back and let life determine how you will live, or you can get up off your ass and make it happen. So make 2014 the best so far!!!! I know I am!!! Everyone have a safe and happy new year!!!!!”

It’s the dawn of a new day. How are you greeting 2014?