Bidding Farewell to 2009

by Samantha on December 23, 2009

This time last year, I was at a very different place in my life. I was still living at home, finishing up a temp job, and crossing my fingers for full-time employment. My mom and I were getting ready for a girls trip to Disney World. Rob and I were still doing the long distance thing, and my social life was mostly nonexistent. 2008 was a tough year for me, and I was glad that it was finally over.

This year has definitely been better, although not without trials and tribulations. I’ve learned a lot about myself, the person I am, and the person I want to be. I moved out of the house and into my own place with Rob. I got that full-time job, and I’ve been gradually growing with my position and taking on more responsibility.

One of the biggest changes I’ve experienced this year has been the role that social media plays in my life. When I started this blog in January (blogoversary coming up!) I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I figured, if nothing else, it would be a place for me to write and connect with people. I had no idea that I would become part of a community and form genuine, lasting friendships (too many people to link to here, but you know who you are).  I never imagined I would start a revolution!  Thank you all for your friendship and support of Life’s Chocolates this year! I write for myself, but I also write for you, so I truly appreciate every comment and RT.  I am also incredibly humbled and honored by the recognition this blog has received.

I already know that next year won’t be an easy one. I’ll be starting off 2010 with some difficult family stuff. But, even with that knowledge, I’m making a commitment to be positive and make next year a good year. I’m not really one for resolutions, but next year I promise that I will take better care of myself. I will still be there for others, I wouldn’t be me otherwise, but I’m not going to let my own wants and needs suffer as a result. I’m going to do the best that I can in all that I do, continue sharing my message of appreciation, and follow my mantra of making every moment count. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. I’m looking forward to every single chocolate in 2010, crunchy or smooth. Somehow, I will find the sweetness in all of them.

What has 2009 been like for you? What are you looking forward to in the New Year? Is there anything you’d like to see me write about in 2010?

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  • I honestly can't even believe how far I've come in 12 months. I literally knew NO ONE that I know online today. Isn't that nuts? You and I didn't even know each other existed! It's crazy to think how fast things have gone in a year - but I wouldn't replace anything that's happened - I've learned SO much about myself and what I'm capable of - and I look forward to learning even more next year (and hopefully making a trip to NYC a reality - which means, of course, we HAVE to meet up). Cheers Sam!
  • Wow, we didn't even know each other existed a year ago?! What a sad life we were leading! ;) Seriously though, it is amazing how much things can change in a year. You and I have both had an exciting 2009, ups and downs for sure, but it all worked out somehow. I can't wait to see what 2010 will bring! (hopefully it brings you to NYC!) Happy New Year Matt!
  • Hey Sam, it's really wonderful to see how you have grown over the past year. However, I'm sorry you had to go through a lot and hope that 2010 is easier for you (and hope the family difficulties pass quickly!) Congrats on the job and on getting more responsibility in the workplace! I see some similarities in design inspirations between that site and Life's Chocolates, hehe ;)

    I totally agree with you! One of the biggest things that changed for me, too, this year has been my involvement in social media. I have met so many awesome and kind people (like you!) who share my interests and are just a joy to talk to and learn from. Gaining this online community has been a wonderful part of my year, and has shown me how rewarding blogging can be.

    Best of luck with 2010!
  • Hey Akhila! Thanks so much! It's been quite the ride, but I made it through. (And yes, it's the same template haha). I'm glad you've found value in social media as well. You may remember that I was totally anti-blogging before I got involved in social media for work. Now, I can't imagine life without it. It really is an amazing community, and I'm so glad to be a part of it.

    It was great to meet you IRL! We'll have to get together again soon! Happy New Year!
  • Sam,

    2009 was an incredible year, wasn't it? Full of changes, full of learning, full of experiencing. Sometimes, it was a thrill-ride. Sometimes, it just plain sucked, but if we didn't go through what we did, then we never would have come this far. And, oh, how far you've come, Sam.

    I was once told by someone that 2009 was a year of healing for everyone, and that 2010 would be that time where we gain momentum and move forward. I think that we take what we learned from this past year -- the friendships we've been lucky to form, the lessons we may have never even wanted to learn, the things we've done, the impact we've made -- and bring them into this new coming year, helping us to face whatever it is ahead, for better or for worse.

    I think each year prepares us for the next, arming us with the tools we'll need. Sometimes it's friends. Sometimes it's family. Sometimes it's that better version of ourselves. ;)

    You're absolutely right that you never know what you're going to get, but you're also right in that there's a bit of sweetness in all of it. Because all of it leads to somewhere else. And that somewhere else is bound to be matter, is bound to be good.

    So lucky to have had you in my life this past year, and I can't wait to see what's to come.
  • Susan: It certainly has been an incredible year, one of healing and learning. I'm all for gaining momentum and moving forward in 2010. One of the best things about 2009 was getting to know you. I'm so happy to have you as a friend! Thank you for all of your comments and insight on this post and all the others throughout the year :)
  • Sam, It's so wonderful to see such growth in your life, and that things have really started to look up for you.
    My 2009 has been much like your 2008 and I'm hoping for similar changes come 2010. On the bright side, just like you, I've been lucky to be able to network and connect with some wonderful bloggers who have become friends - yourself included!

    I'm happy to know you and hope we can continue to get t know each other better in 2010. Have a wonderful holiday :)
  • Thank you, Mehnaz! When you have a tough year, it's easy to dwell on the crappy things that happened and want nothing more than to forget about them. But, the truth is that even the bad experiences can teach you something valuable. So, don't just let them defeat you. It has been wonderful connecting with you, and I agree, I hope we can continue to get to know each other better in 2010! Happy Holidays and I wish you a New Year filled with all good things :)
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