Dear Jessica Brennan,
I have heard so many people say they will be glad to say goodbye to 2016. I get it, but don’t feel totally that way myself. It feels like I was 38 just last year, so that will make me about 72 next year. I don’t think I have the luxury of wishing away years any longer.
I am always quite introspective at the end of December and I ponder the past twelve months then make plans for the next twelve. I re-mourn those loved ones who have died and rejoice in those who were born. The job of the final few days of 2016 is to shine a spotlight on the painful and joyful moments that defined the year almost behind us, so we don’t forget what we have learned.
We all survived painful heartache, an inordinate amount of sludge, and times of loss, but hopefully also we were bolstered by laughter, friendship and joy. I know I was. I had a year that started with stress and negativity, yet all that changed on a dime one day mid-year and suddenly the universe gave me peace and fulfillment, hope and energy, and the hurt gave way to some valuable insight about human nature. Lessons on what never to tolerate again abounded, “what goes around comes around” was proven loud and clear, and my own brand of sanity was restored. There was great loss this year but love is doing its job still, washing away the deepest pain and replacing it with indelible happy memories.
2016 took much from us, it beat us up, it tested our mettle, but I am thinking that 2017 will give us healing and joy and belly-laughs in spades. That’s how I’m going into it anyway.
Happy incoming best year ever!
Love Love Love Mum
xo
