For me, purging. I purged a lot of things in 2009 that I was holding on to out of fear of the unknown and comfort of the familiar. Old friends, old belongings, old jobs, old patterns, old clothes, old mindsets- all have been disposed of properly in this year. It’s scary at times- scary to tell a friend of 15 years that you’ve both changed so much over time that it no longer works, scary to leave a job even if you’re miserable, and scary to let go of old “stuff”, even if it is in order to make room for the new.
May 2010 bring me new freedom, new experiences, new skills, new friends, and most of all new clothes (and shoes)!
What about you- was there a predominant theme to 2009 for you, and what do you want for yourself in the new year?
Watching the leaders of the world fail to even seriously try to solve problems. Watching the Democrats cave in over and over to the Republicans. Watching Obama demonstrate that he’s just another crypto-conservative with a nice line of patter, like Clinton. Watching Proposition 8 pass here in California, and similar laws elsewhere. Watching it be made clear that the torturers and looters and killers of the Bush Administration are going to get off. Watching “health care reform” turn into a handout for the insurance companies. Watching the frothing racism and lunacy of the right bubble up. And on, and on.
For me, it was a year of forgiving the past and moving forward. Without going into detail, I had been holding on to some doubts and grief and fear WRT a couple of areas of my life. For some reason, and without the assistance of a professional therapist, I was ready to finally let that shit go.
I’ve slept much more soundly the past 9 months than during the preceding two or three years.
It was the year of fire, the year of destruction, the year we took back what was ours; it was the year of rebirth, the year of great sadness, the year of pain, the year of joy; it was a new age, it was the end of history; it was the year everything changed.
It was a year of surviving. My family had a good bit of trauma, a lot of upheaval, and a difficult time making a living in 2009. We managed to hang on but I don’t know how we did it.
The new year is starting out with more changes, one kid moving out, another kid moving back in, and my office moving. I’m hopeful that after the dust settles things will get a bit easier.
Started a new relationship that is now the best thing in my life, and was promoted to a new position way out of my comfort zone but is starting to get interesting.
I hope that next year is better for my friends, though. I feel irrationally guilty because this year was a bad year for a lot of people close to me. I pray for a better year for all of us in 2010.
Learning. Sometimes the lessons brought great pleasure, and sometimes they brought great pain. But I wouldn’t trade in 2009 for anything. I’m hoping that 2010 will amplify all of it.
For the first time in 14 years, I’ve been mentally healthy and have taken on a part-time job that I love. My step-son got his first apartment and my husband has received a huge salary increase. Finally, my relationship continues to improve with my mother, which has turned into bliss.
It’s been a wonderful year for us and I’m so thankful.
YAY! Professionally: I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone considerably. I’ve personally gone from being a SAHM of 11 years and having money issues with my husband’s work on mandatory reduction to working full time. I was made a supervisor after a few weeks, I seem to be well-regarded by management and coworkers and somehow my suggestions to Management are all listened too. Personally, I think I’m being taped for a reality show called, " Let’s Fcuk with Shirley’s Head." I’ve dropped a size in pants from all the walking I do and stuck to growing my hair out from pixie to shoulder length. Any lady out there will know just how hard this is.
** Personally**: I’ve volunteered willingly and received more than I put into it.
( It sounds more prophetic than it is. I did all the videography for two football teams, which means I got to sit in primo locations for the most part and watch the games, rather than in the stands and listen to the parents whine and complain about how their precious snowflake isn’t playing enough. Why, yes, my son was a Captain and a starter who played both offense and defense AND got a 4.0. Why do you ask? )
I have friends that I enjoy their company and they ‘get’ me and accept me, warts and all.
Our daughter stepped out of her comfort zone, learn to use that big mouth of hers and kept at it in cheerleading, despite multiple coaching changes. When the squad took 2nd place overall at MEGACHEER (local)Estrogen Explosion!!111!! she was hooked. The JV squad, one level up from hers, took 4th overall in the NATION, how farking awesome is THAT? She also 4.0’d.
My husband, despite the economy remains the most optimistic guy I have ever met. Between his work ethic, drive, cheerfulness and other adjectives that all apply to him, he carries such a weight with his job, helping his disabled parents, dealing with my mom (who *adores * him) , volunteering in any capacity in our kids sports/activities, being a Friend’s Friend and a Man’s Man. He is a secondary husband to my two best friends, taking care of the honey-do and listening to their whining. He is such an inspiration to me. I’d tell him, but then I’d have to put up with listening to him crow about the awesomeness of being him.
So, it ended way better than it started, letmetellyou.
Nice thread idea!
