Musing on…Moving from ’05 to ’06

Around this time, people look back on the year that was and look forward to the year to come. They make all sorts of lists of happenings and to-dos. I’ve never really fallen too deeply into that tradition (though I will, when sufficiently prompted). So, as I sit here musing on what happened in 2005 that I will most remember and what could happen in 2006 that would lift me up, the answer is the same…love.

Before y’all jump to any conclusions, I did not fall in love in 2005–so that is not skewing my perception. The fact is, I came into the year with love already established. I’m talking a shared emotion that is demonstrative, but not adolescent in expression. It’s the love of family. It’s the love of friendship. It’s the love of trust. It’s the love of respect. It’s the love writers like me put to paper when we get past the formula-romance glop.

I am fortunate that I have many, many people in my life that I love, to whom I give love. I’m even more blessed that they see me as worthy to be given love in kind. And not just people…there are a fair amount of animals who seem to like to hang around with me as well. I have no reason to believe that any of this will lessen in 2006, and the very thought of that makes me smile.

So, while others are nattering away about weight, and jobs, and tragedies, and politics, and entertainment, and so many other things, I instead focus on that one thing that defined the previous year, and lights the way into the new year. It simply brings a smile to my face, and I don’t think I can ask for anything better than that.

Have a happy new year, try to be good to others, try to let others be good to you, and don’t let fear keep you from doing what you know is right.