2012 Running Into 2013

Where to start? 

It makes sense to go back to one year ago.  I pulled up my post from December 31, 2011.  I had to read it a few times.  Each reading brought a little more clarity.  One of the things (out of many) that I love about recovering - about moving on from pain and distress - is the gift of realizing that distress.  It makes me more appreciative of my journey and I treasure having been there as much as I treasure being here.

It's interesting that I wrote about roads and movement because that's what 2012 was about for me.  I needed to move and I did.

I packed and unpacked my suitcases more this year than any other in my life.  I learned to take with me what I needed and I shed that which weighed me down.

One day I was alone, contemplating absolutely nothing, sipping a Red Stripe beer in Jamaica.  A week later I was sipping a glass of Chianti in Little Italy in New York City, trying to decide where to have dinner with a friend who had also never been to that big, bright, beautiful city. We explored the hell out of it, including seeing a Broadway show.

Two talented and artistic people who are paid for their design and decorating skill found my photography beautiful enough to give me money for it.  Really.

My national professional journal published one of my poems.  And paid me for it.

I finally saw Madame Butterfly.

I spent time with my family in New Orleans, Portland, Houston, and Seattle.  Gratitude doesn't begin to cover how I feel when I see my son and daughter with their spouses.

My brothers' wives feel more like sisters to me than anything else.  I know I can pick up the phone and the miles disappear.

I danced a little.

I ran. A lot.

I cried over injury and loss but I picked myself up and I'm running again.

 
Thanks to those who ran/traveled/danced with me this year.  You helped me more than you can possibly know.  Some of you laced up your shoes and hit the street with me.  Some of you talked to me on the phone.  Some of you had coffee with me, or lunch, or a beer.  Some of you sent me a text or a comment on my blog.  You know what you did.  I love you.  Happy New Year.

©Michelle Scofield, Dec. 31, 2012 All Rights Reserved