Looking Back

I picture myself walking down a path, lush foliage surrounding me. The path up ahead turns and just before I reach it, I glance behind me. The events of 2009 rise like small clouds of fog before evaporating into the recesses of memory.

The experiences don't linger, but still consume me with emotion.

The relief of finishing my degree. The frustration of a misbehaving fifth grade class. The joy of watching second grade students remember the math I taught them. The pain of injury as I push myself to run one more mile. The peace of sitting in my office with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. The uplifting laughter shared with a friend. My heart beating out of my chest, wondering if I can make it thirty more minutes on the bike. The light in my head that directs my story in the right direction. Discouragement at contests lost and not feeling good enough. The inspired words that came at just the right time. Time spent laying on my bed talking to my children.

I turn forward, concentrating on the path ahead of me. The dissipated clouds of experience strengthen and lift me, giving me the courage to face a new path filled with more experiences of joy, frustration, sadness, discouragement, inspiration and love.

May the experiences of 2009 give you the courage to face head on whatever may come in 2010.

Happy New Year!