If nothing else, 2011 taught me that life is unpredictable.
You know the story: I was climbing the Great Wall of China, just at the end of a bucket-list-style vacation, and two days later I was fleeing from my home in the aftermath of a terrible natural disaster. I felt jumbled and chaotic. I felt sad. I had to say goodbye to my husband, who had just come home, and then we were thrust back into the cycle of deployment and separation.
But 2011 wasn't the Year of the Disaster.
In 2011 I explored farmer's markets, family, and new foods with my mom. I watched my dad teach my girls how to plant a garden. I had a picnic near Walden Pond with my sister-in-law and my brother. I saw castles being sculpted out of snow and my little girl's face when she won her first horse show. I had midnight conversations with my baby. I kissed my husband. I welcomed him home. I even climbed the Great Wall of China.
So really, 2011 wasn't a disaster; it just gave a sense of urgency to my adventures.
Life is good and life is bad; it's all mixed up and random, but I think the trick is to seize each moment as it comes, to hold it in your hand like treasure, and then to hang on tight for the next adventure.
Happy New Year!
Oh, I love this perspective. It seems just...so healthy. Happy new year, Em!!
ReplyDeleteWell said. Happy New Year to you, too. One more flight to go for the four of us weary pilgrims. Japan, you have been missed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Emily! You are absolutely right! Life is filled with good and bad times. To seize the good moments and hold them dear, is what life is all about. I'm so glad that you are in a good place right now - celebrating the New Year with your daughters and husband. Happy New Year to you and your family. May 2012 bring you all love, happiness, and togetherness.
ReplyDeleteRosinda xo
A million yesses :) 2011 hasn't left you with a shortage of memories, and the cool part is that 2012 is such a blank canvas right now, waiting for memories of its own.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Sweet Emily! I'm raising my glass with you!
Great way to sum up what turned out to be a very memorable year for all of you. Hoping that 2012 will be a year full of magic, peace, good books, and lots of smiles. Buon Anno!
ReplyDeleteHave some mochi for us...I miss spending New Year's in Japan.
Thank you for this post. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteEven during the hard times, there are good and happy times! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAll our challenges teach us life lessons and remind us to enjoy the good times. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a crazy year around the world, but we have all made it another year! Yahoo! Wishing you the best to come in 2012! Oh, would love to pick your brain about must sees in Sicily. We are going there this summer.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Emily, i wish your family and you a gorgeous and happy 2012.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I'd certainly raise my glass, "To you and yours", sip, enjoy, and then, give you a standing ovation.
Love the way you write.
Hugs, dear friend!
What a wondrous year you had, some sad, but much happy!
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts. And yes, I, too, am learning to seize not just the day, but the moment. I don't always do it, but I am learning. Blessings to you and your family in this coming year...
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