I'm certainly one for nostalgia, a sentimental soul since childhood - keeping every travel ticket, bit of notepaper, and obsolete (sometimes even broken) object, as all things held a sense of meaning; I'd feel a lump form in my throat at the thought of letting a piece of time slip away unchartered. Perhaps it was the budding journo in me.
But with maturity, I gained a sense of balance, and have since developed the gift of goodbye. Letting go is a fact of life, and a practise I become increasingly adept at by the day.
However, before I let go of 2010, I'd like to say how pivotal it has been in my life. Obviously, it was the year I discovered Catch22 - one of the best things to ever happen to me - and the catalyst for launching my career as a writer (have quit the day job now, so it's official).
It was also the year I lost the closest person to me to cancer. A gruelling and emotionally taxing experience for my family and I, I couldn't envision us emerging on the other side of that experience. But we did.
So as 2010 slips from my grasp, I ask you: what are you letting go of at the start of a new year? And those things that you're taking with you, are they worth it?
For some, New Year's is a waste of time and nothing special; I agree that every day is an opportunity for change, but why not seize December 31/January 1st as a benchmarch for measuring your progress?
Whatever you choose to do, congratulate youself for completing this year and challenge yourself to be in a better position this time next year, when there will no doubt be more to weigh up, hold onto or let go of.
Happy New Year!
