New Year's Reflections, Part 1: A Look Back

Well, so, 2010. It was sometimes trying, mostly rewarding, often both at the same time. I learned some important, if painful lessons about who I am and who I want to be. And I was pleasantly surprised to note (occasionally) that the space between wasn't as wide as I thought. Before we get too far into 2011, let's do a quick recap of the past year's highs and lows, shall we?

• I embarked on my first post-exH relationship, which has been a goldmine of lessons, large and small. Most of which you have had the dubious privilege of learning right along with me.
• ExH moved back in with us, then our divorce was finalized, followed almost immediately by exH's total breakdown and the end of our so-called "good divorce".
• I bought a house, packed up the old one and got moved in with minimal trauma.
• Lulu got settled in at a new school, learning to ride the bus and buy lunch in the process. Big stuff when you're 6!
• I relearned how to live on a very tight budget, thanks to six months of no child support from exH. Wish I'd never unlearned that one!

Overall, while 2010 wasn't perhaps the most enjoyable year ever, I can easily say it was one of the most valuable. I'm better for it, the good and the bad. If I had to sum up the lessons of 2010 in one (hyphenated) word, it would be ... self-control. My ability to control how I act and react, and how I choose to see myself and the challenges in my life shape 99% of my mood and outlook. Choosing to be happy, choosing to keep perspective, choosing to view my life in a positive way actually makes me happier. If I could take only one thing with me into 2011, that would be it.