Year 8

I’m coming to the end of year 7 in my blogging. Whoda thunk I’d stay with it so long? As mentioned previously, the blogging has been a big help over the years. I’ve been reading over some of my old posts here and there and I can definitely see a change. In the beginning I blogged in an effort to sort out things in my head. Surprisingly, even some things I didn’t even know I had in my head got sorted out. Lol Anyway, I still do to an extent but I’ve noticed most days now I tend to already have things sorted and I’m just documenting.

Looking back over 2011, I’ve certainly had some ups/downs. Recovering from the motorcycle accident, my big 40th birthday ^[1]significant to me in a very personal but good way, the break up with Apple guy, all kinds of financial drama, and most recently the passing of our beloved Spike. Not to mention, I had a really bad bout of depression that stayed with me for months. I’m coming out of it and things are slowly moving in a more positive direction. Let’s hope it continues to do so. I did blog about a lot of it but I chose to keep it private this time around.

I’ve asked myself several times why I chose to keep things private. Some of it was out of respect for others that it obviously impacted. But I think mainly because in the past I needed reassurance and validation for my choices and now its more of me just chronicling my life. While it shows my inner growth as a person it also showed me I still have some growing to do. I’ve also had some really good friends along the way. I’ve maintained a strong inner-circle of friends, new an old. Its been very gratifying to feel the love and support of those who care about me. 🙂

I did have some dark moments ^[2]as in raw and painful, not anything crazy like suicidal thoughts but I came out of them better for it. When I started this little adventure, my self-awareness wasn’t anywhere close to where it is now. And while I think I still have things to learn, I’m proud of the man I’ve become. I’ve made mistakes, one in particular that I’m still learning from. But I am learning and moving forward. That to me is the most important thing.

So here’s to year 8 beginning in just another month. Stay tuned and wish me luck along the way. As always, hope springs eternal!