Reflecting On 2007

Here we are at the beginning of a new year, wondering what it will bring, hoping for good health, lots of love and laughter, a little wealth, but most of all, strength to survive whatever the world throws at us.

Many people start a new year off by reflecting on the passing year. I am no different. My thoughts of late have been of the things I have done over the past 12 months. Thoughts of what I am proud to have accomplished and the things I would like to change or tweak a bit.

In 2007 I learned alot about balance. Thanks to my, not so normal functioning gall bladder, I have learned the importance of balancing my diet. The right balance of the properly prepared foods and portion sizes are the main thing.

More importantly, I have learned that to be truly happy, you must have balance in your life. Happiness IS a state of mind. If our mind is pure and peaceful we will be happy, regardless of our circumstances, but if it is impure and unpeaceful we will never find happiness, no matter how much we try to change our circumstances. When we eat our favorite food it tastes wonderful, but if we continue plateful after plateful our enjoyment would soon change into discomfort and disgust.

Being able to be happy with myself has made a world of difference for me. For the first time in my life, I am happy with me. I don't feel that I have to have someones ok to be me. Sure approval of our friends and loved ones is important, but it is fine to be who you are and not what you think someone wants you to be.

Once you have that, you can more easily find solutions to problems or at least ways to improve them. Positive thinking does make a difference. If one thing doesn't work, try something else.

I've also learned that it doesn't make you a nut case if you seek the help of a therapist or counselor. It feels good to have a person , outside of your situation, to vent to. It's useful to learn different techniques to help deal with stress and issues.

I have had the opportunity to do some traveling this past year. The trip to Disney World with Lindsey was truly a wonderful thing. I got to share the experience of flying for the first time with my daughter. The one on one time with her was a wonderful thing in itself.

My trip to Hilton Head was also a good thing. I got to spend some time with my aunt and uncle. Getting to visit with them was a special treat.

I got to know myself alot better on that trip also. I did alot of soul searching while walking the beaches of Georgia and South Carolina.

Seeing the lighthouses was really cool. I have wanted to go to the top of one for years and to climb to the top of three of them was great. Looking out across the ocean from the top of a lighthouse is truly awesome. Seeing Savannah and the Biltmore Estate was nice too.

The change of scenery made it easier to do some much needed thinking.

I have seen my kids grow and mature in alot of ways this past year.

My son has grown a bit more independent. He is carving out his path in the world, not following in someone elses footsteps, but making his own way. Setting his goals and working to achieve them.

My daughter has become a teen. Struggling to find her way in this big world. She has entered a tough part of her life. Not a child, but not yet an adult either. Trying to fit in. New friends, old friends, socializing, boys, hormones, rebellion and attitude.

We have seen toy recalls, shootings, mine collapses, bridge collapses, earthquakes, wildfires, celebrities in and out of rehab, gas prices increase, interest rates go up, transition in Pakistan, Barry Bonds break records under a cloud of controversy, the introduction of the Iphone, trains derail, children injured at amusement parks, The Sopranos finale, and enough Brittany Spears to make you choke.

As we start 2008, my hope is to be happy. I know that everything will not be the way I want it to be all the time, but I do hope for the wisdom and faith to take one day at a time and to make my own happiness.