As I posted before, I’m in a season of my life where quiet contemplation and reflection are overtaking the need to speak or make much noise. Yesterday we went for a walk to Haytor and again I was lost in thought. As I stood on the rock and surveyed the land I thought about the year that was 2009. From the outside looking in, it would seem like a year of immense challenges: there were three significant bouts of flu, trouble with cysts, months of infected excema, job loss, not getting my dream job, the death of a friend, my best friend moving to Australia and the use of all of my emergency fund. But for the first whole year in my life, I really and truly see the incredible blessings that 2009 brought, I can look back and see joy, triumph over challenge and changes in me and who I am which trumps all those hardships; and while it won’t bring back £10,000 or the life of a friend or a job, somehow these small blessings are worth oh so much more.
2009 was the first full year where I enjoyed being thankful for the blessings around me, it was the year I became overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for the country I live in, the outdoors/nature that surrounds me, my fabulous friends near and far who are a part of my daily life and encourage me in this walk in life. It was the year I hand on heart realized that experiences and peace of mind are more important than climbing a never-ending ladder or chasing something that could at any point be taken away. It was the year I was determined to find myself only instead my self found me, which is how it should be.
From the outside looking in, this new year is a time of incredible uncertainty, when you are jobless and slightly nomadic there is much unknown. Only from my inside’s looking out, this new year is a time of discovery, love, peace and renewal. I don’t know what 2010 will bring, I hope it brings with it the opportunity to bless & serve, the chance to find a new path that will yet once again be filled with challenges, which I can meet and learn from. I hope it will be a year of love & peace & joy. Job or no job, single or married, city dweller or rural homesteader we all have a lot to be thankful for. I am more richly blessed than I will ever deserve. My hope is that others reading this feel the same quiet grace and peace which fills my soul & weighs my heart.
Lovely post, so good to hear that you feel all the things that came about in 2009 have turned into positive feelings and thoughts.
yes you really did have a bumpy ride this year. I hope that next year you find an outside to match your inside! lots of love and luck. xxM
yes. that’s all, really. just a big YES to all you mentioned.
i hope 2010 is less difficult, but no less challenging, and blesses you oh so abundantly more! xx
I’m so proud of you! I think 2009 can be counted as a year of growing in so many ways. Prayers for a 2010 filled with blessings of health, love, knowing your purpose, and building up. These are the things I pray for my children and you.
You are in a good place. It’s what’s in your mind and heart that really matters. I wish you continued success in 2010.
Happy New Year!
What a thoughtful post.
I hope that 2010 does become a year of love, peace & joy for you.
What a fantastic year to have, if those are the things you learned and the fact that you are peaceful within is fantastic. Here’s to a wonderful new year.
2009 was quite a year for you, wasn’t it?!
From a reader’s point of view, I must say it was very educating (and interesting) to follow you as you found ways to overcome all the adversities you were faced with last year.
Thank you!
And Happy 2010!
I have not been following long, but you have been an inspiration to me especially in your thoughts on the sense of entitlement. I think our culture breeds that and it is good to hear someone talking about a perspective that comes from a broader viewpoint.
Joyous and blessed 2010.
Happy 2010. There are years that ask questions and years that answer them. Like nature, there is a calm after a thunderstorm and then new growth and opportunities. May you find yours in 2010.