Reflecting

It's New Year's Eve.  The ending of a year, and while my journey is not finished, I do feel like I am in the home stretch.  This journey, although I would not wish it on anyone else, has taught me a lot:

1.  Even in the darkest of times, there is at least one thing you can be grateful for.  This is something that on a daily basis I wasn't always good at during this journey, but I got better at it.  No matter how rough you may have it, there are people who have it far worse.  Find something, anything, each day and be grateful.

2.  It's NOT that serious...seriously...something like this will really put things into perspective for you.  I have learned to be better (I am a work in progress) at not sweating the "small stuff." 

3.  Surround yourself with people who will bring positivity into your life.  I am SO LUCKY.  I have amazing family members and wonderful friends.  I knew this before.  It was confirmed throughout this process.  I have really realized who is truly there for me and not what they can get from me.  I have eliminated some people from my life and strengthened other relationships based off of this.  Life is too short to waste time and energy on people who don;t have true intentions.

4.  Make memories!  Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us.  Take the time to make the most of your days and make those memories. 

5.  I am stronger than I ever imagined I was.  You never know how strong you are until you need to be - no truer words have been spoken.  I have surprised myself both physically and mentally.  Had you told me a year ago that I would be sitting here today and had gone through all that I did, I would have rolled my eyes and laughed, all while making a sarcastic comment.  

6.  Finally, I am so blessed.  Sure, I have been on one hell of a rollercoaster, and one that is not yet finished, but I am a better person because of it.  Yes, I have many scars (inside and out), they are not pretty, and they are going to be with me forever.  But they are mine.  They are my journey. You have to take the good with the bad right?!