2011 – What will the future bring?

As 2011 starts on its run, I wonder what will happen this year. Looking back over the last 13 months of my blogs, the highlights shine through for me. Many more SmileS than tears, which gives me a happy feeling overall for all the journeys I've taken this past year.

December 2009 http://im4tun8.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html showed me the possibility of miracles in the midst of trials. What a change 2010 brought! There was very little money in 2009 but there was a little more for this past Christmas. I was able to tangibly show my love to those close to me, but didn't forget the plights of animals as I made sure not to forget them just because my financial status had improved.

January 2010 http://im4tun8.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-year-of-possibilities.html was a time of looking deeply into me and determining who I am and what I stand for. While still unemployed at the time, the feeling of optimism shone through as I put my thoughts on paper. June 2010 had me focusing on the nation's unemployment. So many more than just me were struggling and I had a heavy heart – especially for those with children dependent on them.

August 2010 had me looking at my time on social media: specifically twitter and my interaction with others http://im4tun8.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html - I still strongly believe everything I wrote at that time. My thoughts and opinions may differ from yours … but that is the nature of people dynamics … if we all agreed, only one of us would be necessary!

Labor Day weekend showed my prayers for work had an awesome answer http://im4tun8.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html and that blog is a reflection of the past 16 months of unemployment, learning, and expansion of my horizons beyond my little space in this world. Looking back at all the blogs that captured time and memories, it was quickly apparent how blessed I had been during the lessons and trials that I lived through.

As the fall season began, I did a blog of that wonderful time of year and the many blessings showering down on me http://im4tun8.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html in an abundance of ways! This was the last blog posted and shows how work and life can let me put other things on the back burner.

Since October 2010, I have taken on a part time job that I do on the weekend. I have a new granddaughter, Baylee Anne, born on 10/27/10. Such a blessing to be able to meet her over the Thanksgiving holiday. I realized that I could not keep up with social media due to my work hours and commitments. October 31, 2010 had me sorting through 'who to keep / who to let go' to get the most out of my time on twitter and Facebook. Some of the decisions were very hard. Others were extremely easy. I believe I have a great balance of friends and interests now so I am content with the results.

What will 2011 bring? I have no way of knowing anything specific. I do know, however, that nothing will be as bad as it seems when it happens. Neither will any good thing be as wonderful as it seems at that moment in time. The ups and downs of my life even out that way. Through it all, I make no resolutions. Instead, I will make a choice, each morning I awake, how I will live that day. I want to be more positive, more effective, and show the world more of who I am and what makes me … well … me!

Here's sending Good Thoughts to each of you for all that you hope for in 2011 that will be good for you!