What has 2009 meant to me?
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I started the year with high hopes. They were fuelled, not by evidence, but by determination. 2008 didn't end particularly well. Among other, more personal issues, the recession had started to kick in and several of my friends and colleagues had just lost their jobs. It was an uncertain time. I resolved that 2009 would be better. Life seemed to be lacking in several areas at the beginning of the year and, while by no means especially unhappy, there was much room for improvement. Thankfully, 2009 started to deliver.
I'll come to the gains shortly. A year is a long time. Not everything that happens within it is positive. 2009 also brought with it some losses. By far the biggest personal loss for me was that of my wonderful grandmother. At 91 years young, it was her time, but I still wasn't prepared for it when it came and it hit the family pretty hard. I regret that I didn't make more time to see her in recent years; time lost instead to work and other pursuits; adulthood, I suppose, as she put it—with her ever present smile—when I saw her recently. But I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with her during my life. And while I miss her terribly, I have only fond memories of this remarkable person that I will cherish forever.
Fortunately, the year has given more than it has taken away. I have forged new friendships I hope to see well into the future, while solidifying existing ones. I am lucky enough to be friends with some of the most wonderful people in the world, for which I am eternally grateful. Their unwavering support and companionship through highs and lows continues to mean the world to me and I only hope I can return the favour in kind.
2009 has also seen me take more time to develop my skills and interests. Perhaps most notable is my writing, which is (I feel) progressing well. Having just finished the first semester of a yearlong creative writing course, I am pleased to report that I am continuing to improve and take steps towards my lifelong ambition to write and publish a novel. Indeed, I've started a 'new' novel this year, which—although I haven't worked on it much recently—is taking shape nicely and has received very flattering feedback from its only reader so far: my admittedly rather biased best friend! With two more semesters to go, I am optimistic that I can arm myself with the tools I need to finish it.
Recent weeks have also seen me address another gap in my social calendar. For the last couple of years, I've been a musician without an outlet: I've not been in a band. About a month ago, I was invited to join a new group, and thus far I've been astounded by how brilliant it is. I've been gifted the role of guitarist and lead vocalist and I can honestly say I've never been happier in a band situation. I've gained three fantastic new friends in the process, all of whom are phenomenally talented, and now face the realistic and very welcome prospect of stepping onto a stage once again. I can't wait.
Of course there's still more to do. Several of my main ambitions remain unachieved, but I'm taking giant leaps towards some of them and one or two of the others have at least seen glimmers of hope. Granted, with just days to go, it's likely I'll see out another year single, but I'm in a place now where I'm less concerned about that because so many other great things are happening in my life. All in all, 2009 looks to be a far better launch pad than 2008 was this time last year. And I'm actually looking forward to 2010.