New year, new start

Everyone looks back on the old year and ahead to a new year from a different perspective!

-Some people are happy to see the old year gone. I don't like wishing for time to go faster or wishing it away, or for a certain thing to be over in order to get on to another thing.  Life is too short to wish it away or to only wish for one thing then move on to the next. It is fine to look forward to something but the days in between are just as important and precious.

-Some people always view the out-going year as bad. Yes bad things happen every year. But just because of a few bad things doesn't make the whole year bad. Probably more than likely for a lot of people is if you look back most of the days of a year are okay or pretty good. But a lot of people let a few bad days define a whole year. Kind of like letting a few bad minutes ruin a whole day.

-Some people relish and enjoy the past year and all the experiences, regardless if it was a good or bad year. I find this especially true for those who are facing some of the hardest battles in life.

2016 was a mixed year for me. I celebrated two family weddings and three in all. I helped celebrate a milestone for my sister. I also dealt with health diagnosis in my family that are difficult, one in particular hit home. But both, the good and bad, has brought us together to celebrate and strengthened the bonds I have with my sister. The good with the bad, that's what life is all about. The good things, even small ones, need to be celebrated and appreciated. And the bad helps us appreciate the good and the normal days.

So in this new year I am looking forward to two more weddings! Both will be happy occasions. And in this new year I pray and hope for healing not only for my sister and brother from cancer but for all those who are dealing with health issues. There are a ton of other things to look forward to, 365 sunrises and sunsets (actually 363 sunrises and 354 sunsets since today is Jan. 2) but these small things are gifts, just as each heartbeat and breath is and each day is as well.

So here's to a new year. We know there will be good and there will be bad. But if it's a good or bad year when we look back on it on Dec. 31, 2017 is entirely up to us...make the best of it, most of it, live it and enjoy the ride.