Old Year reflections

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