You Can't Tell Where You Are Going if You Don't Know Where You've Been

     When I was in nursing school one of my professors used to tell us "You can't tell where you're going unless you know where you've been." I remember thinking how true that statement was.  So every year at the end of the old year I start to really open my mind for what the new year might hold,  but first I look back to see where I have been over the course of the  year.   I am in that place right now.  Looking back and moving forward at the same time.
      This year has been a year of change and transition for my family and myself.  Some of the highlights include my daughter moving from elementary school to middle school.  I've also watched her move through 3 levels of her martial arts training which is an amazing thing to watch.  I've also watched her grow into a poised young lady - no more little girl around here.  That was made crystal clear last night at dinner when she made a point of letting our waiter know that she wanted the "regular" portion of fettucini NOT the kids portion.  It's a joy to watch your children grow and mature.  As for me, I have moved from clinical to administrative nursing.  That was a tough transition for me as I liked my job as an Operating Room nurse a lot.  This new position is a very family friendly one and allows my schedule to be very flexible and most importantly does not involve being on call  which is a HUGE blessing.  I also feel like I have been moving toward a more faith based life which is something that I had been desiring for a long time and just didn't know where to start.
      Now that we are at the very end of this year I have begun to look forward to the coming year.  I am very glad that none of us really knows what the future holds.  I like the twists and turns that life's journey takes you on, and in the coming year I am hoping for a few life changing adventures.  One of the things that I would like to happen is that I would like to go on a medical mission trip.  My goal is to go to Africa and use my nursing skills to maybe make life a little better for some kids who really need that.  It's something that I've always wanted to do and in 2012 I will be 50 so this is a celebration of 50 years of life. What better way to celebrate life than to give of yourself and your knowledge and skills?!  One of my resolutions for the coming year is to bless others however I can.  I'm not certain how that will play out, but it will be one of those things that will be fun to see how it all turns out.  I have a few things in mind believe me.  
      So here's to 2011 - it's almost over, and the New Year is almost here.  Let us be thankful that we are able to appreciate it for whatever blessings it gave us.  If the old year was not kind, let us hope that the new year will be.  Let us all look forward to where we might be going in the coming year, because we know where we have traveled this past year.  As the Irish blessing says, "May the road rise to meet you and the wind always be at your back."  Happy New Year to all!