Oh, 2010

A quick twirl through Facebook and the Twitter give me the impression that a lot of folks are saying, "don't let the door hit on the way out", to 2010. While I respect that everyone's life is different, I can honestly say that 2010 was a beautiful year in the life of Madame Jones.

Sure, there were things I was very unhappy about: getting involved with someone who seemed like the One, only to find out he was an abusive jerk; some of the pain that came along with strengthening my boundaries where friends were concerned, my vacation was spoiled, and I realize that my time with Grandma is coming to a close. And, as some of you know, I have anxiety. That's not going to change very much, but it's mine.

But for all of the heartache and other things that came with 2010, I don't understand the mindset of saying, "get out of here [insert year]". It's kind of criminal to be ungrateful for your life. Here you are, in all of your glory, and the best part is that you can make CHOICES and that your life belongs to you. Isn't that something to be extremely thankful for? Bad stuff happens, sure, but think about all of the joyful moments of 2010....

- time with your family, they are here and as healthy as they can be in this moment
- your friends, who like your family, are not always perfect. Friends and family heal you, share in your joys and sufferings (if you let them), and help you grow.
- We live in the most abundant country in the world. If you don't have that 88 inch plasma TV, who the fuck cares? The things you actually need are a phone call or a short drive away
- we live in the freest country in the world, even with all of the encroachments. We are still free to use our energy and wherewithal to pursue our dreams - even if we're not doing that right now to our fullest potential
- all of the graces that God grants us, even when we are not able or awake enough to recognize or appreciate them

Life is a good thing in and of itself. If we don't like it, we can change it. But it's a shame to shut it out and lump the good with the bad and dismiss it. Isn't that what's happening with the way history is taught nowadays? Don't let that be you. Yes, 2010 is history, and it's yours.