I’ve heard a lot of people say that 2016 was a year they could do
without. It's been a bad year for many people I know, but I think that’s
often the case on a year to year basis. Regardless, years come and go, and
hopefully, we grow from them, cliche and irritating as it may be to say. Even pain and loss can be enriching in what they
teach us, horrifying as the experience frequently is (been there, done that too). I’ve
been absent for a long while, a reflection of much overtime at work and too
many hours behind a computer. While not monumental, I learned a lot about
myself over the last year, including the importance of focusing on aspects of
my life that I love, the people and hobbies that keep me grounded. It’s a
lesson that keeps coming back to me over and over and over again.
Never one for New Year’s Resolutions, I simply try to focus on goals as
they come, on changes in the pattern of my life. I’m refocusing on me time, as
I simply become mentally unhinged without it, and this includes long hours
alone in the woods, a place that centers me. It includes writing and
volunteering and art and cooking and people. It includes professional goals,
but ones that don’t crowd out all the other aspects of my life. If there is
something that
Spain
and old family wounds taught me, it’s work to live, don’t live to work.
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| One of several ice storms this winter |
Here’s to the beauty of winter, rediscovery, walking, and homecoming.
And some highlights from last year that I’m working to catch up on.
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| slowly becoming friends |
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| She's been a challenge, but delightful |
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| my brother and I take the weirdest pictures... |
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| ...my niece, on the other hand, is adorable |
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| I <3 winter |
