Getting a Handle on 2012

I cannot begin to believe that it is already 2012. Where did 2011 go? With all that put aside, however, I think 2012 is going to be something great...something completely unanticipated. A year of adventures  I never would have imagined myself embarking on. A year ago, I was unsure of the path I was meant to take; I felt drawn to do something great, something that would change other people's lives. Never in a million years did I know that journey would be teaching in an inner-city school in Jacksonville, FL with Teach for America. A year ago, I was like a lost sheep, wandering with my faith somewhere within my reach but feeling so lost from the thing that had often made me feel so connected to life itself. By 2012, I have reconnected to my faith in ways I had never imagined possible, every day being a new learning experience of God's love and grace for me. Rejuvenating my faith has of course made me lose some close and dear to me, and has even made me a few enemies, people that at one point I thought were the closest ones to me. But possibly losing those people was what my life needed- knowing I deserved better, knowing they aren't my judge, knowing that regardless of feeling lost God loved me and was the only real one that mattered. My transition into 2012 has brought me new friends- real friends. People who would not turn their back on me in times of need. Friends that have seen hardship and have overcome it, friends that I admire and respect more than they could even know. Friends who make me laugh, and talk me through insanity and moments of craziness. 2012 has brought me a new outlook on life; the realization that looks aren't everything, and everything isn't how it always appears. Those around us are not mere perfection, but are rather on the same walk I am and at times possibly more lost than me. 2012 has brought me compassion for so many others, a heavy heart at times and a full and cherishing heart at other times. 2012 has brought me a new journey with an amazing partner that I never felt worthy of journeying life with. 2012 has reconnected my relationship with my best friend in ways stronger than ever before. This new year feels like a blessing, not only for another year of being healthy and alive but because I almost thought I may never make it through the moments of loss, unhappiness and discouragement that encompassed 2011. As 2012 continues and the clock ticks away, I am slowly getting a handle on 2012. 2012 is going to be a great year.