2008 is over, and here is 2009. Reflecting on 2008 - I don't want to dwell too long on the negatives, since it' not within my nature; but it has been a turbulent year. Deaths of my friend Otto, of Tikva and births - Charlie and several others. What have I learned from my experiences in 2008?
1. Being a mom is extremely rewarding
2. Finding my individuality - while being a mom and a partner
3. Savoring contentment at home 4. Life continues whether you're ready for it or not.
Struggles:
1. Finding balance with work and home life and looking to live out my dreams
2. To work for myself
3. To find my life's passion
Accomplishments:
1. New work position making more money, closer to home and enjoying the people/work
2. More open, compassionate and patient
3. Letting go of the little things - working on the bigger pictures
4. Smelling roses and enjoying my life, my daughter and my love (AG)
5. Acceptance of my limitations, and working towards my passion
In 2008 I went back to work fulltime after having a baby. My work was stressful and my manager was difficult, and yet I worked through it and became a better person. I took on more responsibilities at work, I made the best of a work situation, and I got out from that position and landed a better job. Working full time and raising a child is exhausting - but AG and I have had the best times. Our lives are more enriched with Aesha's presence and I've become more accountable to myself and to the world because of her.
The best part of 2008 is the beginning of hope for 2009. Since the election of President-elect Obama; my spirits have been high even in the worst economic downturn. Hope can make things happen. Hope that the American people want a better way of life, that we're not all greedy bastards intent on killing the earth for our selfish needs. Hope that people are good, that there are enough good people out there ready to make a change. That hope is infused in my daily life and I feel almost buoyant. Life is still a struggle, but knowing that we are in this together, and collectively we understand this, makes a huge difference. It takes a lot of energy to be cynical, and we've been cynical for so long.
So for 2009 - I'm coming into this year with a lot of hope. There's change in the air, feels as if the earth has just shifted again - and we are going down a better path. I want to ride this wave of hope and change - and make some shifts in my personal life. Hoping to be able to write a longer accomplishment list in 12 months.
