It was a pretty amazing year –
- I bought my first residence – a 1,200 sq ft manufactured which I love in spite of the 20-year old HVAC unit going (not unexpectedly) out. We managed through a very hot California central alley summer with window a/c units and so far a fairly cold winter with a couple of space heaters. Expectedly re-roofed – thank goodness before 2 plus weeks of atmospheric rivers in early January.
- Made a conscious decision to change jobs for reasons very important to me – integrity.
- Fulfilled my number one bucket list life-time achievement of going to New Zealand for 2 1/2 weeks late November-mid December – an experience that 100% exceeded any expectations I already had about this little country
- I continued to grow emotionally – especially around letting go or accepting things I cannot change.
- I am still learning how to not react negatively to things that upset me – part of accepting.
- My little family grew with the addition of one more great grandson (now there’s two)
- I learned that even in the midst of all of the divisiveness and meanness in our country, there are still good and loving and empathetic people out there
These are just the highlights, none of the day to day amazing, frustrating, uplifting, crushing, in or out of our control happenings that make up life. It’s the ordinary things that make up the majority amazing in our lives, though, isn’t it?
I like to say that each year of our lives is like a book, each chapter a month. I try to do a “book review” each year about this time. If nothing else, it reminds me as much of my accomplishments as my challenges professionally, personally and emotionally.
I have to say, like the Frank Sinatra song says, it was a very good year … for the good things, the sad things, the happy things – it’s all part of a full and colorful life.
So mote it be.
The Barefoot Boomer 