2013: Blessings to be counted!

As we balance on the cusp of 2013/14, it can be cathartic to reflect on the blessings of the past before embarking on the new (particularly if they didn't appear to be blessings at first sight!).

I'll begin: 2013 presented some challenges which were expected, others, not at all anticipated! So, counting my blessings, I shall put them into perspective

~ early in the year brought a shock bereavement: while it should have been a dignified occasion, other elements crept in which threatened the dignity, sanctity and momentum of the occasion. I count my blessings that, from the wrath, certain relations were healed and continue to bring comfort for those most affected by the whole event/s.

~ driving to Shineyland (and detouring for the greater good) in horrendous weather, made me question why I was going to the effort (and expense) of meeting a group of people I had no personal knowledge of (beyond their posts) in shoddy/hazardous road conditions, when I could just as easily stayed at home! How delighted I am that I did!!!! It was worthy of the trip, the companions I met, the memories I hold dear and the pure joy of putting faces to names! I am blessed to have had the opportunity.

~ as a novice gardener, my trials and tribulations have been many: my successes are very much due to the fabulous people on here who are not backward in coming forward in their kindly advice, informed criticism (politely delivered) and basic, "you go girl!" enthusiasm! I count that amongst my highest blessings!!

~ while celebrating having both of my son's attain the University of their dreams, it came as a shock at how profound that occasion became for me. (I thought I was too 'ard to be sentimental ) But, it not only gave me pause for thought about the status quo, it delivered me unexpected friendship - which in turn gave me strength - and thus, gave me perspective - for which I am most grateful!

~ a recent RTC gave me much pause for thought: not for its severity (I was blessed) but for its spontaneity: a rear-ender, by definition, suggests it wasn't seen coming! (Who knows which will be a blessing or a requiem? ) After the initial "shock" and inconvenience, I was able to draw upon the humour of the situation (especially in context of the next few hours ) and all is well which ends well

~ for genuine friends: a humble blessing indeed! (and "virtual" are not to be discounted, nor down graded, because of the lack of physicality!)

My overall impression of 2013 is, that I am blessed, in abundance! My hopes for 2014 are that I a) at a minimum, sustain those blessings; or, b) may improve upon them!

So, what blessings are you reflecting on from 2013 which may (or may not) impact on your hopes/dreams for 2014?

 

I'll echo your point about the Shineyland trip. I was nervous about it for a number of reasons. The two main ones being, 1) I'm actually quite shy so meeting new people is not always a comfortable experience for me and 2) often in the past when I've met people that I've only previously interacted with on the phone or online (only met one person from online previously), they've not been what I expected and vice versa, and not in a positive way. I needn't have worried. Everyone was lovely, and I'm glad I went, as are my wife and oldest son who came with me (in fact my son keeps asking if we are going to 'that man's garden again when we next go on holiday' ).

Lots of other things for me. I've successfully rekindled a few old friendships.

At the beginning of the year, I made a commitment to get out of the job I hated. That happened, though not quite in the way I'd planned, but it worked out better than planned. Under immense emotional pressure from things outside of work, I just caved in one day and resigned on a whim, with no alternative employment lined up and a new baby on the way. Oh, and skint. It meant I was off work for 2 whole months over the summer, meaning I got to spend a lot of quality time with my wife and son (and then my new son too, who arrived in the middle of it all). I'm not daft though, I'd started lots of balls rolling, and took advantage of the fact that I am quite well connected in my industry, and secured a job working for the best boss anyone could hope to have, in an excellent location.

As just mentioned, I got a brand new son to add to my list of blessings over the summer too. Can't say much more than that, words can't say how brilliant that is so I'm not going to try.

Apart from the new addition, by far the best blessing for me this year has been that my faith in people has been restored. For 2 and a half years in a job that I hated, surrounded by people who I felt could not be trusted at all, I'd started to believe that the world I knew before was a thing of the past, and we're in a new age now, which is one of contempt and distrust. Between meeting people for real at Shineyland, and a situation involving me, my old boss (horrible person) and my new boss (lovely person) that nearly made me go all mushy in front of the new boss, I realised once again that there are more good people in the world than bad ones.

Its been a turbulent year, but most of the turbulence was of my own making and largely expected, as I decided enough was enough I instead of coasting along, I was going to take the helm and get my life back the way I wanted it.