Fast Away the Old Year Passes

 I believe it's some sort of law of nature that as we age, the passage of time speeds up exponentially.

As a child, the time between Christmases (or birthdays or any other special day) seemed like a lifetime. Now, at 53, I sometimes feel as though I'm careening downhill in a cart with no brakes, no ability to slow down these moments, these days, these experiences. They fly by at such speed I wish I had more time to savor them. And I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to do just that.

And now, just when I've finally become accustomed to writing "2012" on checks and documents, here it is 2013!

I've seen and heard many comments this year from people who say they cannot wait to put this year behind them. That the new year must be better. I suppose that's human nature. To see something magical and transformative as the clock passes from one year into the next.

But in looking back at 2012 - in reflecting on both the challenges and blessings - there is much I want to keep, and to hold tight. Discoveries made, lessons learned, friendships formed...

First and foremost, to me, 2012 will always be the year I got my husband back. John's retirement (necessitated by several physical disabilities) has been a blessing to both of us, and he has (knocking on the wood of my computer desk as I type this) miraculously spent an entire year OUT of the hospital. Those of you who've been reading here for a while know how huge this is. Friends who haven't seen him in a while comment about how much improved he looks, and he says he feels much better too.

2012 is also the year I decided to get serious about getting healthy. While it's a long road, with an even longer stretch ahead, I know I'm on the right path - and if I stay on track, I will eventually reach my goal.

Creatively, 2012 has been a marvel! Notebook upon notebook filled with more ideas than I could paint in a lifetime, and it's been such a joy to see a few of them manifest. I can only hope 2013 brings such creative energy and inspiration!

And finally, but by no means least, friendship. 2012 saw me taking a several weeks tour of the southeast with someone who has become one of my dearest friends. And while our planned cross-country journey didn't materialize, I consider myself so lucky to have had this experience, this break, and will treasure the memory of it all my life.

2012 also found me reconnecting with old friends on facebook (so much fun to be in touch with people you haven't seen for ages!), and spending many hours enjoying the company of friends in the "real world". Good friends, good food, good wine, good music - it doesn't get much better, and if you resolve to do just ONE thing this year, making time to connect with dear friends is a good place to start.

And in a few short hours we'll turn the calendar, and 2013 will dawn bright and promising and filled with creative possibility!

I know there will be challenges, but my one and only resolution will be to weather them gracefully, while always keeping my focus on the blessings.

May your 2013 year be filled with love and  light, magic and joy!

See you next year!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`• ~ Carolee