Out with the old; in with the new

It’s 4:30 on Monday morning.

There are three days left in 2015. Sleet or something like it is hitting the windows.

Near the end of 2016, I will turn 50, ending a decade that hasn’t always been easy. So, I’m looking forward to big changes in the coming year — even bigger than just turning 50. It might be because I’m reading The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield, a gift received at Christmas.

So, here I am at this woefully neglected blog, focusing on the good things in life and where I am headed, letting go of past hurts, failures and lessons learned the hard way. Here are a few random thoughts:

• This was the best Christmas I can remember. I’ve been given many great gifts. They all can’t be unwrapped, but they are part of my life every day. It took a long time, but I’ve reached the point where it is better to give than receive and I want to make sure I give more than I get back in every aspect of life.
• I work for an organization and do the kind of work — that, when done well — makes a difference in the lives of others. Being able to make such a statement has a value that can’t be quantified.
• If there is one area in which I have amassed great wealth it is in the people who have become my closest friends. I’m grateful for everyone of them. One of the many good things about experiencing some adversity in life is that it helps point out who your true friends are.

My wish is that those who are struggling will find happiness in the new year. Life is good and yours can be, too. It’s too short to waste a minute of it being unhappy.

Well, I just returned from a trip outside to warm up the car. It looks as if the winter storm that has been forecast for today is the real deal, so it’s time to cut this short. Be safe today, everyone.