Here it is Christmas Day and here I am slowly..............

Christmas and the end of the year are always a time for reflection. I have to say that 2012 has been good to me. Tonight my son told me how my nephews were glad to see the old me again. It is an amazing transition our lives go through. I have to say my life has indeed been a roller coaster. I've reached the pinnacles in achievements, but I've also experienced the valleys. I learned a few years back, that it is in the valleys we learn to grow.  Getting back on track, sometimes takes you along unexpected journeys. These trips I've found are lessons that are necessary to help you define what matters most in life. Finally I feel I have that answer, so I know that life will only get better for me. I may never be as successful as I once was, but I have to say I'm so much happier. Living for and trying to please others is no longer that important to me. Some traditions and beliefs I once held to, I've learned to let go of. The most important thing  in life is time! This is something I had plenty of when I was growing up. Time controls us all and until you fully understand it's role in your life, the life you are living will always  be one huge roller coaster. Time effects us all, while we can't stop it, there are things we can do to slow it down. No matter how busy I am, I've learned to pause long enough to listen, long enough to observe and long enough to enjoy each day. Sunrises and Sunsets are still a meaningful part of my life, as are the watching the clouds in the sky(their shapes still amaze me). Listening to other people's stories a lot of times, gives added meaning to your own life. By doing these things, I realize  how lucky I am to be living the life I live. So while I drift away from some things I loved, I find that life teaches me there will  be other things I will love just as much. The year 2012 was a major turning point of sorts for me and I can't wait to see what  next Christmas and the year 2013 bring.