The last day of the year is a natural time to reflect, right? We look back at the last 365 days – the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly.

2018 kicked off with me flat on my back for several days with Type A Flu, bronchitis and pneumonia (all at once). A month later, I was felled by a stomach flu for 3 days. It was less than a stellar start.

January brought changes at work, which resulted in months of stress and uncertainty…but I stepped up, I soldiered on…and so far so good.

Looking forward to a relaxing summer was an fruitless exercise. Record rainfall killed the boating season and a home improvement nightmare was finally addressed – at substantial cost.

It was a year of realizing what is truly important…and what isn’t. It was year of fighting for what matters…and letting go of what doesn’t. Remembering that there are aspects of my life that I can control – and some I can’t. Knowing that sometimes holding on to things or people in life may be more trouble than it’s worth – and being strong enough to let them go. Knowing that my spouse is the single one person that I can always count on – in sickness and health, in good times and bad.

Among all of the revelations, moments of joy and beauty. A Florida gulf sunset, a hug and an “I miss you” from a great niece, glasses of wine enjoyed, peaceful evenings of yoga, great books read, beautiful drives taken, great times with people who mean something.

2019 promises to be interesting. I’m at the top of the roller coaster. Whether I scream in joy or terror on the way down remains to be seen.

As always, though – Momma’s voice resonates in my heart when I think of the New Year.

“Let’s hope it’s a good one!”