Reflection

With the passing of 2008 comes the birth of 2009. For many, including myself, the start of a new year marks the beginning of a fresh, new chapter in life; a chance to reflect on all that has occured in the past year, afterwards bringing the hope of improvement, hence the term "new year's resolution(s)."
2008 was definitely scarred with its ups and downs, certainly not one of my best years. I dug quite a few holes for myself, some deep holes to say the least. My education, my health, my future, are all suffering as a result of my sloth-like actions of 2008. I'm not going to delve any deeper into the details of my mistakes, because they are a thing of the past now. Yes, some of them have come to further haunt me in the new year of 2009, but I have accepted this and promised myself that I will become larger than the problem. My failures in 2008 will be my achievments for 2009.
In lieu of my 2008 hardships, '08 wasn't a complete let-down. Mid-way through the year, life was fortunate enough to bring me not only an insparation in life, but two individuals who have and always will be part of my second family--Randy and Rosemary Economy. Simply put, they were and still are two blessings in disguise. Having suffered a huge and devastating loss to their home, the Economies always wear a smile on their face; always cheerful at heart and a pleasure to be with. I look up to these amazing people and strive to overcome any and whatever hardship that I encounter, the way they have. Thank you Randy and Rosemary for instilling this hope and new-found motivation within me.
So here we are in 2009, a year that president-elect Obama has coined "the year of change." I agree with this slogan, as '09 will definitely be a year of change for me, both inside and out. By the end of the year I will have quit smoking, changed my living style, dropped bad habits, saved a considerable amount of money, dug myself out of the educational-hole I now lay in, and begun my calling in life. 2009 will not follow in the shadow of 2008. Life is too short not to be taken advantage of. Wasting time and allowing Life to pass you by should only be practiced if you wish to become a failure and a nobody. I am not a nobody and I will not be a failure. At the close of 2009 I will be shining.

>>>>tomorrow's topic: "The Secret," by Rhonda Byrne.