I am told that there are such things as happy endings. In fairy tales. But this is real life and real life has its twists and turns that sometimes leave you wondering, “where's my happy ending? Shit, where is my anti-climatic utopia before the shit really hits the fan?”
This year has been one for the story books. It has brought me so many blessings that I should be overjoyed. I have met people who I can honestly say I can't believe I didn't know before 2009. I have reinforced relationships with friends from the past. I have carved out a place for myself in a harsh world. I have lived with integrity and learned with humility.
However, there have been just as many things to lament as to celebrate. Amazing, yet true to the nature of life, nothing happens until you are ready to receive it. Happiness requires only that we step out of sadness long enough to open our hearts and arms. At least that is what I keep telling myself as I try to walk through my sad times.
In reflection, I am not where I would like to be. I have experienced some difficult financial hurdles this year. I have more often found myself without things that I have spent a lifetime accustomed to. I have worried endlessly, or so it seems, about how I would make certain things happen. I have laid awake in the wee hours of morning praying for miracles. All in all, they have come. For that I am thankful. Yet, not to sound ungrateful, I would love to say that I am living in the time where I am strides ahead of the other rats in this race. I know that time is coming but I expend many thoughts on the wish that it was already here.
My story is by no means unique. I am sure many of you are also beleaguered by financial challenges, trying desperately to hold on to a smile while burdens pile up. I know that many of you may be far worse off than me. You may be facing mountains of bills, perhaps you have no idea where you will be sleeping tomorrow or the day after. So, I don't have to tell any of you how hard these times are. However, I will tell you this: life is a journey that none of us escape alive. The best you can do is live this moment with everything that you have. Be generous with what you do have and have faith that, in the end, goodness prevails. Such is the way of life.
