Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.

Dear 2011,

Would you look at that; I survived you. 

It’s funny how many people seem so happy you’re gone; how many people seem so eager to get on with 2012; how many people say you were the worst, as if they hadn’t said the exact same thing about 2010, 2009, 2008…

But negativity is the nature of people, it seems. It’s far easier to find something to be upset about than it is to be completely content and it’s funny how when it comes down to the end of the year, it’s easier to remember the bad than to embrace the good. I feel like the New Year brings out the “new start” mentality in people who already have it pretty good to begin with.

But I guess that just helps reiterate my point. Instead of being grateful for the people and experiences the last year has accumulated, the countdown brings on a series of resolutions and relief that the year has come to an end so a new beginning can start.

Those people make me sad. People in general make me sad because no matter how hard other people have it, we can always find a way to feel sorry for ourselves more deeply.

2011, you and I had a great year together. Sure, it wasn’t all sparkles and cupcakes but if there’s one thing I’ve learned is that the bad only makes you appreciate the good all that much more. Sure I may have been threatened with a fake lawsuit, had to confront the reality that you really don’t get to choose your family, had numerous, stupid fights with people I love, got hit by a Purolator truck and re-learned the hard way that sometimes you just don’t get what you want, but I left 2011 with incredibly fond memories and an eagerness to see if 2012 can top all of the things that made my 2011 amazing.

I turned 25, went on my first plane ride, learned how to play Roulette, met amazing people, walked the streets of New York City, did volunteer work, got an incredible job, settled into my own, grown-up apartment, adopted 2 unbelievable kittens, booked my very first trip to California, and best of all, I feel 100% okay with the person I’ve become over the last year. 

Absolutely no regrets.

It’s been real, 2011, but now it’s 2012 and I against the world.

… and if we do, we’ve always got 2013 to get it right.

LOVE YOU.
xxoo