Sunday, January 1, 2012

Old Year reflections

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So it's goodbye to 2011.  I honestly don't know where the time went.  But it has receded in hours, minutes and seconds until there is nothing left, except the memories.  And here are a few of mine:

1. That day last February when my wife said that she was having a heart attack.  She recovered, made life style changes, and is grateful to be alive.  Me too.

2. The passing of some great dogs--Timmi and Stella.  You were here for too short a time.  

3. The aging process and seeing the decline in my wife's parents.  I have learned a lot about compassion for the very old who are sick. And I have learned about my limitations. 

4. The boat, the water, the beach--my own sanctuary which I have come to find as necessary as breathing.  And the island where I live is a place of quiet and peace too. 

5. Saying goodbye to my sponsor who moved away. He was there for me from the beginning.  Poignant but accepting that we all have to move on.  

6.  Growing in recovery and applying the principles to my life.  Al-Anon has taught me about acceptance, love, spirituality, compassion, faith, honesty, and hope. So many positive things given so freely.  And you bloggers were part of that.  Thanks for being here on the journey. 

7. Taking some maritime courses that stretched my mind.  I learned a lot and had fun in the process. Retirement at my relatively young age has definite rewards. 

8. Expanding my culinary and gardening skills.  The garden has become a joy.  And the vegetables have been incredible.  All the foodies that blog have been inspiring. You know who you are. 

9. Enhanced social and political consciousness.  I don't write much about this, but I have become more and more attuned to social and political issues.  This year was memorable for the social pressures that were front and center in my mind. I worked more with kids to teach them about the environment. 

10.  Loving photography and taking steps to sell some photos.  Entering photo competitions may happen soon.  No matter, I carry my camera everywhere.  The artistic part of me provides balance to the scientific part. 

So those are some of the highlights for me.  Not every day was wonderful but each one presented some lesson.  More will be revealed in the coming year.  

“For last year's words belong to last year's language 
And next year's words await another voice.” ~T.S. Eliot

15 comments:

  1. Hi Syd,

    What a wonderful gratitude list! Thanks for sharing all these things. I checked to see if you had taken time to blog on this last but most sacred day of the year - and you did.

    Happy New Year, and keep on keeping on

    Much love, and a giant hug,
    Anonymous #1

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  2. Happy New Year Syd thanks for all your inspiring posts over the year!

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  3. I've learned so much from you this last year Syd -- looking forward to the continuing journey in 2012. Happy New Year!

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  4. Each year has it memories, some better than others, thank you for sharing yours with us.

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  5. I feel a connection with you. I have been able to cut back with work, and explore new options. It's like a "second" adulthood, full of possibilities. We are certainly blessed!

    Thanks for being Syd all these years.

    XOXO

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  6. the good with the challenges...you def had both this year...but its all in how you approached them...happy new year syd!

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  7. Your steady presence in this blog world has been a cool breeze in my overheated 2011. I look forward to another year of possibilities.

    Thank you for being here.

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  8. Happy New Year my kind and precious friend.
    I remember every event on your list and I even remember specific prayers for your wife and when you lost Timmi.
    Through the act of blogging, a lot of us have shared each others lives.

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  9. I look forward to hearing what happens with your photos. Getting back into the painting studio is definitely on my list for 2012--and I accomplished all my goals for 2011, so for me this bodes well! Happy new year, dude. love, /G

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  10. Happy New Year, Syd. It's been quite a year. I'm glad you write. I find this is a good place to come to stay grounded. God bless your 2012. :)

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  11. Happy New Year Syd, thank you for being here and sharing your journey with me.

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  12. Love your slide show. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

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  13. Hi Syd,
    Thanks for your lovely video. Always love seeing pictures of your beloved dogs. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy New Year full of many blessings. Also, many thanks for your blog.
    Best regards,
    Adrienne

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  14. Happiest of new years to you. I've enjoyed becoming a part of this community. I love the Eliot quote - thanks be to whatever prompted you to post it.:) !

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  15. Sorry I'm a little behind in posting. What a wonderful video and gratitude list, thank you for sharing! I'm looking forward to finding the words of the voice in 2012.

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