Ringing in the New Year

2011 is days away and I've been thinking about what I'd like to accomplish throughout the year. I love a new year, it is, in ways, a fresh start.

I am going back to school in January. Two courses, continuing on from where I began in 2006. I was lucky enough to have all my credits transfer to Mount Royal, and I think that just adds to my enthusiasm- knowing that those courses I did long ago do amount to something. I am starting slow, and with subjects that capture my interest in a general way. I will have to get into some things that I'm not too fond of in September- those being chemistry and some beginner biology to freshen up on those subjects. My ultimate goal is to some day be a midwife. I can't see that being something that would be possible while having young children so it is a long-term dream. I will have plenty enough time to get caught up in pre-requisites, volunteer and anything that may help me get into midwifery school down the road. One thing that I will do in the short-term is complete a doula training course and start getting involved with birth! I think over time the experience of being around birth will be more knowledge gained than would be learned in any classroom. This is something I am passionate about, interested in, and feel like I will grow with.

In other aspects of my life...I am still getting used to living in a new city. It is tough, and at times draining just to keep up with keeping doors open and meeting new people. But all in all, this has been a very good decision for our family, and things are certainly going up and forward!

I think it is an eye-opening experience to create so much change for yourself, and for your family. You can easily determine which friendships are strong, and which will not make it. What strengths and weaknesses you have as an individual, as a couple, and as a family. You see things for what they were, what they are, and the potential they have for later on. Certain things will leave your life, while others blossom, and ultimately when one door closes, another will open.

I am learning to be accepting of new situations, new people, and change. I make a conscious effort to let negative thoughts of judgement, resentment, envy- amongst others- to roll off, and to not let myself get sucked into to the sad but true "misery loves company". One of the most powerful pieces of advice I have ever been given in my life was simply, "let people change". How true it is. We can only hope that in all the change that happens every day, we have strong enough connections with people to make it through to what comes next for both of us.

Another thing that has stuck with me- "everybody has a story". Not everybody has someone to listen. So, listen.

I don't have everything sorted out by any means, but I notice year by year I can put the pieces together, and the pieces usually build something that makes sense at some point or another.

For this new year approaching, 2011, I want to surround myself with positive, uplifting people who I can appreciate on their best day, and love on their worst day. I want to move forward with new friends, and stay connected with old ones. I want to let some people go, and hope to see them again somewhere down the road. I want to learn, grow, laugh, and make the best out of the good times and have hope during the worst times. I want to be authentic in all aspects of my life, and to support others in the same way.

I wish you all the very, very, very best for the new year. I hope you all find what you are setting out for, and enjoy the journey getting there!

Happy New Year!