Perspective. A New Year.

A few days ago someone said that they were thankful for perspective.  

This got me to thinking.  

At the end of every year, I have a habit of saying "Hey, this past year was shit, (insert year here) is SO going to be better."  

I can honestly say that this phrase has come out of my mouth every year.  

Now how is it that EVERY year can be so shit?  Am I not super lucky to be where I am today?  Am I not happy?  Do I not have a family and friends and a roof over my head? 

2011 was not the easiest year on record by far (and I think I can safely say that progressively since 1979 each year has got slightly more difficult).  

 There were, I admit, some pretty shitty things that happened. 
 

I made a bad business move - and the financial investment aside (which hurt of course), it was my time, my energy and the personal investment that hurt the worst.

I lost my dear dear Uncle Red - he is and was a beacon of light for anyone who struggles with anything.  He got dealt a crap hand 13 years ago, but he never called bluff or threw down the cards.

I lost my dear dear friend Jeff - what can you say about that?  I should have been a better friend?  I should have done more?  Should have.  Hate that phrase.

Our best Hart Fam friend (and honourary Hart to be honest) was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia at 32 years old.  Shock.

Due to stress and general lack of confidence, I may have ignored my own needs.  So 2011 left me feeling like I was a bit of a shit "insert job here".  I have many jobs and roles in my day to day life, and the moment you start feeling like you are not up to par in any area is a bit of a down moment indeed.  

Now - perspective.

If it is a crime to take all the crap things that happen and roll them up into a little ball and swallow them, so they sit in the pit of your stomach and fester - I am guilty as charged.  But today as I was getting my house in order, I thought all about that.  I don't understand why one would feel the need to do that.  There are so many things that should be celebrated instead of moaned about. So I made a list of things I need to remind myself at times in order to keep myself grounded and to keep things in perspective.

*I am good at what I do, end of story. Whether "what I do" is Mom, Teacher, Wife, House-Cleaner, Gardener or whatever, I am confident that in all those things I undertake I strive for my best.  If the level I reach is my best, then there is no reason to be unconfident about it.  If I need to do better, do it. Lamenting about it will not get me there.

*Drama has no place in my life.  I am no longer 21 years old.  It seems so petty and stupid to get worked up over the smallest things.  If it isn't working for you, move on.  Your energy needs to be focused in better places. 

*Friends and Family - They come and go.  Celebrate the life you shared with them when you had them by your side.  And try to cherish each day you have with the ones who choose to share it with you. 

*A defeatist attitude is not welcome.

So there you have it.  A guided tour through the crazed simplicity that is what goes on inside my head...

Perspective is a good thing, take a step outside yourself to really see what is going on around you instead of putting your head down and just trying to 'get by' day to day.  Every day is yours.  Use it wisely.

Happy New Year - 2012 is going to kick ass...

Looking particularly festive at my Dad's 60th...

 
xo sjkh

(PS - the 19th of January is in fact a bit late to be saying Happy New Year, but after the 6 weeks of illness in the Hart house this is the first I am getting to it!!!)