Since it has been a month since I've written and we are ringing in the new year this evening I figured I would write a little something to reflect on the year past, think about successes and failures, loves and losses.
This year has been a mixture of happiness and sadness. I personally have had several successes. One of my greatest successes happened this past semester when I received the best marks of all my college career. For that I would like to thank my fantastic friends and boyfriend for supporting me, and also give myself a little credit for working hard.
One of my down points was quitting swimming. Being a part of something for 16 years of your life and then giving it up is losing a part of yourself. I gave blood, sweat, and tears- literally- to the sport and it is truly amazing that it can just be gone so quickly and because of petty, horrible people that have nothing better to do but try to make others miserable because they are so miserable in their own lives. But if there is one thing I have learned from that experience it is not to forgive, but to forget, because those people are not worth the effort. A positive from quitting is gaining a sense of freedom, not being tied down to practices and meets, able to do what I want when I want.
This year, the world suffered some terrible losses. Everyone talks about the celebrities that have passed- Amy Winehouse, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackass's Ryan Dunn, Steve Jobs, etc (all incredible, influential people in their own rights)- but I would like to take the time to think about those not so famous, but that the world will still sorely miss. By this I mean the men and women of the armed forces. So many young men died on the front lines fighting for our freedom, not getting the recognition they deserve. Yes, it is devastating to lose a voice like Amy Winehouse, but what about the 20 year old kid that died in the line of duty before even being old enough to have a drink to celebrate a victory? Or the father that lost his life before seeing the birth of his child? What about those people? They gave the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us can live in a place where we feel free, and safe. So, to them, I say thank you.
Another great loss, one that tears at the deepest corners of my soul, was the passing of my cousin, Denyse. At 25 years old she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, having only months of life to live. But, she did it to the fullest, spending time with her family and friends. She was such a vibrant soul, an inspirational figure, and will remain so in my mind forever. But instead of making this a melancholy tribute, I would like to celebrate her life because that is what she would have wanted. Tonight, my New Year's toast goes to you, D!
With that, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year, enjoy your celebrations and don't take life for granted. Love the ones you've got, do not mourn the ones you've lost but celebrate the time you got to spend with them instead. Take a little time every day to appreciate life, friends, and family.
Here's to 2012!!
-EJG
This year has been a mixture of happiness and sadness. I personally have had several successes. One of my greatest successes happened this past semester when I received the best marks of all my college career. For that I would like to thank my fantastic friends and boyfriend for supporting me, and also give myself a little credit for working hard.
One of my down points was quitting swimming. Being a part of something for 16 years of your life and then giving it up is losing a part of yourself. I gave blood, sweat, and tears- literally- to the sport and it is truly amazing that it can just be gone so quickly and because of petty, horrible people that have nothing better to do but try to make others miserable because they are so miserable in their own lives. But if there is one thing I have learned from that experience it is not to forgive, but to forget, because those people are not worth the effort. A positive from quitting is gaining a sense of freedom, not being tied down to practices and meets, able to do what I want when I want.
This year, the world suffered some terrible losses. Everyone talks about the celebrities that have passed- Amy Winehouse, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackass's Ryan Dunn, Steve Jobs, etc (all incredible, influential people in their own rights)- but I would like to take the time to think about those not so famous, but that the world will still sorely miss. By this I mean the men and women of the armed forces. So many young men died on the front lines fighting for our freedom, not getting the recognition they deserve. Yes, it is devastating to lose a voice like Amy Winehouse, but what about the 20 year old kid that died in the line of duty before even being old enough to have a drink to celebrate a victory? Or the father that lost his life before seeing the birth of his child? What about those people? They gave the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us can live in a place where we feel free, and safe. So, to them, I say thank you.
Another great loss, one that tears at the deepest corners of my soul, was the passing of my cousin, Denyse. At 25 years old she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, having only months of life to live. But, she did it to the fullest, spending time with her family and friends. She was such a vibrant soul, an inspirational figure, and will remain so in my mind forever. But instead of making this a melancholy tribute, I would like to celebrate her life because that is what she would have wanted. Tonight, my New Year's toast goes to you, D!
With that, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year, enjoy your celebrations and don't take life for granted. Love the ones you've got, do not mourn the ones you've lost but celebrate the time you got to spend with them instead. Take a little time every day to appreciate life, friends, and family.
Here's to 2012!!
-EJG