It was the best of times it was the worst of times... No, I am not referring to the Dickens quote in the intro of "A Tale of Two Cities," but the year of 2010.
These last 12 months have brought geographic distances to friendships and emotional closeness to others. While some maintain their strength despite several state lines in between, others have dissipated like clouds after a downpour. The remnants remain present, reminding you of days past, but the clear skies offer new perspectives. Existing friendships have blossomed into beautiful gardens, bonding a sisterhood stronger than I ever thought possible, meanwhile others have had a rude awakening, much like a bear waking up early out of hibernation. The reality is not always pretty, but it is still reality.
Jobs have come and gone, homes have come and gone, and emotions sometimes got the best of us, but through it all we have managed to steer clear of the clutter of bullshit and keep sanity in tact, even if it was on a wing and a prayer. It is truly a tribute to a higher power how people are put into your life for a reason and are removed from your life for other reasons. The secret, my friends, is following your innate sense of intuition, asking for help, and accepting it when it is presented, not letting pride stand in your way. To decline the help is an insult to that same higher power. I have learned this year the value of taking the emotion out of an equation and making a decision based on facts. Dragnet said it best "just the facts, ma'am. "
To the miscreants, leeches, and other first class parasites I have had the displeasure of interacting with this year, I feel nothing but sympathy, and regard you as nothing more than a slimy bottom feeder. Your moral bankruptcy is quite transparent and someday, when your house of cards tumbles, you will realize that stench that surrounds you is nothing but the end result of conducting yourself like a total butt munch with a truth and ethics allergy.
For the rest, those I cherish, both new and old, know that my intentions are always good even if it means speaking an ugly truth. You can always count on me to be honest, loyal, and forthcoming. You are the epicenter of my heart and if not for my family and friends my life would surely have been dark in the past 12 months.
To those that have faith in a higher power, do not disregard the words as mere cliche when one utters "everything happens for a reason". Keep your strength, your integrity, and your class in tact. Keep progressing with your head held high. If you spend all waking hours trying to figure out then why's and why-nots, you may very well miss the meant-to-be's and overlook what was truly God's plan all along. Enjoy each day and keep me close in your heart, because that is where I keep you.
Our futures are unwritten. If we encourage one another, offer support and guidance, we can make 2011 the year we all achieve great things.
