Friday, December 31, 2010

Sunrise, Sunset - 2010 Gains and Losses

As the sun sets on 2010 for the last time, I thought I'd take a moment and share with you my greatest gains and significant losses from this year.  A post providing all the details would  take way too much time, but just know that there is a story behind every one of these things that have made the lists.  Many of you have shared them with me, others you'll learn more details as time goes on.  Thanks for sharing your lives with me through your blogs and comments.  And my heart fills with gratitude that you find mine worth coming back to again and again.  Happy New Year to each of you.  I count you all my FRIENDS!
Sunset through my eyes - Gulf of Mexico, Venice, FL
December 31, 2010

Losses:

5)   Margie - Margie Mallin was my first "follower" when I began this blog last May.  She blogged here and we found much in common.  Although she and her husband, Bruce, lived on the opposite coast from me, we were already making plans to meet.  Tragically, she and Bruce were killed in October, by a suicidal driver, while on their morning walk.  This post of mine was written in response to this one Margie had written a couple of days earlier.  It was one of the last posts she wrote.  I wrote this post after hearing of her death honoring her in the best way that I could.  I think of her every day and just writing this brings tears to my eyes again.
 
4)   Travel - Since Mr. B is a college professor, we have lots of time to indulge our passion for travel during his breaks.  Due to the illness of his father, we did not take an extended summer trip this year and we both felt that loss keenly.  For us, it is more than just vacation, it is a time of reconnection, education and learning.  Without it, we both feel a sense of loss.

3)   Weight Loss Momentum and dream of reaching goal by year end - Between January 1 and August 19, I lost 16 pounds of the 30 I needed to reach goal weight.  This momentum came to a abrupt and unanticipated HALT on August 19.  I was never able to get it back and by late fall gave up my dream of reaching goal by year end.

2)   My health - This is one that needs a post all on it's own, but in summary......I have a chronic illness that was diagnosed when I was 28.  For years, it has been in remission, but has decided to rear it's ugly head again.  Am in the process of working with my doctor to determine if a change in meds is needed or where we need to go from here.  It is not something that will kill me, but unless gotten back under control, could substantially hinder my ability to hike, bike or do most any sort of strenuous physical activity.  This would be devastating to my mental state.

1)   Pap - No one who has read this blog for any length of time will be surprised by this.  My precious father-in-law who loved me like a daughter, died on August 19 after a slow onset of advanced dementia, but then a very quick and sudden decline.  We are so thankful that what could have gone on for years, ended quickly and painlessly, but our hearts still miss him so.  Should you have missed this and want to read more, most of my August posts talk about this.

 Sunrise from Mt. LeConte - GSMNP
September, 2010

Gains:

5)  Greater level of contentment in all circumstances - I can't really explain this, but as the year ends, I feel a sense of peace and contentment that I haven't felt in a long time.  Reading back over the course of this blog, I believe getting to this place is reflected in the posts.  It is my sincere desire that it has been a process leading towards a breakthrough year in 2011 when many things in my life will come together.

4)   Hiking goal reached - A very aggressive goal of hiking 300 miles was set and achieved.  I am absolutely thrilled to have reached this goal. 

3)   Ended year at lower weight - I did not reach my goal weight in 2010, but I am very happy to say that I am starting this year 10 pounds less than I started 2009. 

2)   Closer walk with God - This, of course, is very personal and private, but it has been a breakthrough year in learning how my relationship with God affects every moment and relationship now and coming to a greater acceptance that this life is only a preparation for the next one.  My purpose in being here at this place and time is not to be "happy," but to make God smile.  And that is exactly what I want to do!

1)   My Blog - This blog is without a doubt, my greatest GAIN for 2010.  I had absolutely no idea what to expect on May 14 when I hit publish for the first time and this appeared in print.  I had no idea what a "follower" was or why in the world anyone would want to "comment!"  Thank goodness, I learned!  I love writing this blog, I have lots of ideas for the future of it, but mostly, I love that you stay with me through thick and thin.  You continue to read when my posts are too long and rambling!  You practiced tough love when needed, but also gave me the tender care I so desperately needed when my heart was breaking and my appetite raging.  I cannot thank you enough for all you've become to me.

I wish for all of you a 2011 filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, humility and self-control.   Happy New Year!

Sunrise, sunset 
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness,
And tears!
from "Fiddler On The Roof"


11 comments:

  1. A lovely end of the year review. And lovely pictures, too.

    Congratulations on all of your gains--and for all that you've learned through the losses. I know that the gains were much more fun. :}

    And, WAHOO!, after all your struggles, you're still 10 pounds down. Not bad. Not bad at all!

    2011 is going to be our year. It is! And I've got my game face on! (You know, I really have no idea what that means, but I think it's funny.)

    Deb

    Deb

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  2. I'm glad you're blogging. It sounds like your gains this year are significant. Looking forward to an interesting new year!

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  3. My blog is my greatest gain of the past year too... and all the friendships it brought with it:) What strikes me reading this post is that, with one exception, all the losses were things outside of your control while the gains were all things brought about by YOU!

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  4. I love that you achieved your hiking goal! As I commented to your post of yesterday, I want to help you achive your weight loss goal this year. And I need you to help me achieve my exercise goal of 10,000 daily steps. There will be times I will completely lose motivation to exercise and want to loll around on the couch, and I plan to let you know when that happens so you can motivate me. And when you want to eat those treats Mr. B brings home, you reach out to me and I will talk you down. Deal?

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  5. ....and you are an uplifting, beautiful person Sharon. Happy New Year to you :)

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  6. Oooh, I love what Karen said!

    And I can't help but wonder if your mojo is connected to your father-in-law's passing in August? Grief is such a powerful thing...

    As are joy and peace. Looks like you're starting a new year with both of those and what could be better!

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  7. I love this post. What I know for sure is that YOU are one of my best finds for this year. I'm sorry to hear that your condition has flared up. You'll be in my prayers. Love to you and Mr. B.

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  8. Beautiful post Sharon. I appreciate the depth to which you express your soul. Your honesty and openness is a gift to your followers. Happy New Year to you and Mr. B.!

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  9. Happy New Year, Sharon,

    Dropping in to say "hello." This is a beautiful post, and I'm glad I didn't miss it.

    HUGS!

    Genie

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  10. Great post, Sharon. My goal this year is to get closer to God - putting my devotions ahead of everything else.
    I was just getting to know Margie. I used her last post as a TOPS program which was very appreciated. A reminder of how fleeting this life really is.
    I hope your health issues get solved. It must be difficult when you've had things "under control" and then to have it go haywire.
    Sorry about your FIL, I know the battle b/c we're going through this w/ my mom. I pray for mercy for her and for us, but God has His plans and His plans are good. So I will deal with the mangled side of the tapestry knowing that He knows of the beauty on the other side.
    D

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  11. My dear blogger friend, Sharon,
    happy New Year! What a great and very thoughtful post. We shared so much in common last year with the passing of significant parents. I am with you too, in the greater overall contentment to where I am in life. I honestly think part of it is the processing that I, we, do in our blogs. I have said this before, but it is very therapeutic to write those posts and to comment on other blogs (like yours!). And it is the first time in many, many years that I enter a new year weighing less than I did at the beginning, just like you!

    I pray that you will be able to continue your hikes and exercise. I know just how important exercise is now for us mentally as well as physically.

    Best wishes to you, Sharon!
    Michele

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