Looking Back…and Forward

Here we are again at the beginning of a new year…2016. I am again writing a column for the first newspaper of the year as I thought that I do each year, and after a little research at themonticellonews.com realized that I did not actually write a column in January last year.

I also noticed that I had not written but two columns in the entire last year period. Where does the time go? And why didn’t I write last year? Who knows, probably time and for the first year (looking back) that I can remember, I actually did some things for me.

Here in the New Year, most people tend to make goals to set for the upcoming 12 months. Me, as you may have read before, I like to reflect on the last year and focus on the good. So here goes…

In the last year I got a full-time job (yah! health insurance), and have been promoted. I love going to work each day and I feel like I make a difference while learning new skills in county government.

I also settled down, somewhat and started staying home more and bartending less. Did you all know that there are movie theaters on Friday’s and Saturday’s? And that concerts and dinners, and cleaning, and not sleeping the weekends away is wonderful.

I actually feel refreshed and rested most days, which is different for me. Before, with the three jobs, I just ran and ran and kept going until my body physically made me rest. I actually had my second New Year’s Eve off this year for the first time in over 10 years.

I’ve also done a lot of home improvements this year. I have (along with help from my wonderful boyfriend) done some underpinning on my house, gotten the grass cut and maintained after the GDOT finished the turning lane (YES!!!) out front. I also have done some major cleaning and rearranging of the inside and added insulation so that my over 100 year old home is not nearly as cold.

I’ve taken some time for me. I have taken time off work to appreciate time with the people that I care about. I have taken time to have dinner, see family and see school events that my Godchildren, now 4 and 8, invite me to. I have taken time for Netflix.

Yes, I’ve indulged in guilty television binging on Homeland. If you have not watched it, it’s good. I have had time which is something I can’t say for the last 8-10 years, for me to do whatever it is that I want.

In the last year I’ve also done some traveling. I have done a lot of reading. I got back into the gym with a friend and I have cooked dinner at least three nights a week at home. These little things are those that make life worth living, and make it enjoyable. It has taken me a long time to be able to relax, make decisions that consider my feelings and preferences, and in the last year those have been in abundance.

This may not seem like much to the average reader. But to me, these were giant leaps as to what I want to happen this year. In looking to the New Year, I can only hope for more of that. With all of the bad news in this culture lately, it is essential to stop and appreciate what is around you and more importantly who is around.

So begin this New Year with a good, giving heart and look forward to enjoying what is yet to come!