I know that New Years is supposed to be a time of looking forward to what the next 365 days will hold -- making resolutions and the like. But, as I sit here composing these lines, I can’t help but think back on 2011.  It was such a full year, and one of so many changes, that I can’t imagine anything 2012 could have in store that would even come close. 
My first book came out.  My daughter left home.  I started a business and two other part-time jobs (which I‘m still learning).  I’ve been all over the place, speaking and promoting the book.  I have to shake my head when I think about it all.  I really should be much more exhausted than I am.  You would think that as I enter the latter half of life, things would slow down.  But the opposite has been true for me in 2011.  And, I have to admit that I couldn’t be happier about it all.
Even letting go of my daughter, as hard as that was, has brought its’ own blessing.  She has come into her own and flourished in a way that far surpasses what I could have ever wished for her.  As for me, well I’ve learned how to do things this year that I wouldn’t have even thought I could have done in my youth.  I’m almost afraid that 2012 might be a letdown.  Not really. 
What 2011 has most taught me is that the biggest limits I have are the ones I impose upon myself.  When I get past the fear of failure, I can attempt new things and accomplish them with God’s help.  When I exercise faith in what I’ve instilled in my children, I can entrust them to God’s care and let them go.  Are you detecting a pattern here?
Looking back on the hurdles I have jumped over this past year has me really excited about the ones that may lie in my path in 2012.  I wish I could say that I have no apprehension at all about the New Year, but I’m not quite ready to do that yet.  I’ve made big strides in that direction in 2011, but I still have some barriers to break down.      Fortunately, just as in 2011, I won’t be tackling anything in 2012 by myself.  I have been blessed with such great friends, family, and co-workers, who tirelessly give of themselves to help me along on my journey.  I’d like to wrap this up by giving a shout out to some of them with much heart-felt gratitude and the sincerest of apologies to anyone I might overlook.  Thanks:  to my mom, Tim, Hollie and Gwendolyn who do anything I ask of them (mostly grunt work).  To Trish for making it possible for me to try my hand at business ownership.  To Susan, Lois, and Shirley for teaching me all about nutrition and natural health alternatives.  To Dale for patiently answering the same tedious technical questions for me over and over again when my pea brain can’t retain the info.  And to Jane and Jeff for being the best friends and prayer supporters a gal could ever ask for.  I love you all.  You have made 2011 one of the best years I’ve ever had. 
A special thanks goes out to all my faithful readers who keep me encouraged.  2012 looms ahead brightly because of all of you. Happy New Year to one and all!
Thanks for giving me another moment (and year) of your time.