make 2007 the Best Year of My Life

2007 started off on a high note, and it’s just kept on going. New Year’s Day I had packed up my life, and was preparing to head out of the country to work and travel… including a trip to meet up with Matty in April.

Unexpectedly, Matty proposed that day. Which was simultaneously the strangest thing I ever could have imagined happening, yet the most natural. (We very gratefully blame Todd, though, just so you know.) I’m sure everybody thought it was an odd situation. We hadn’t even met face-to-face… but somehow it was just right. In the end, I couldn’t wait for April to come around, so a couple of weeks after arriving in the UK, I booked a ticket to the States, and turned up on his doorstep to surprise him. Good thing that went well, eh? Being apart was not the easiest of experiences for either of us… but luckily we’ve been able to remain (reasonably) patient, and we’ve known that what we’ve been waiting for has been worthwhile. Eloping in Costa Rica has been one of our rewards.

I’ve visited some amazing places, and met some wonderful people… including all the amazing 43 Thingers I’ve met thus far. The Las Vegas meet-up in April was an absolute highlight… so many fabulous people all together in the same room!

I’ve also learned, and re-learned, some valuable lessons. I finally figured out what my ‘spidey sense’ feels like, and that ignoring it is not a good idea. Sadly (and typically), I didn’t recognise it the first time around. I chose to do something I felt reluctant, but obliged to do. As soon as I was locked in, I was rewarded with the equivalent of a sharp mental WTF!? slap to my head. I wasn’t sure what that was all about at the time, but I started to figure it out over the next few days. But, the positive side is that I will always remember this, and it will save me from making similar mistakes again.

I was reminded what it is about people that makes me choose to call them my friends… and also that sometimes it’s better for me to remove myself from a situation if it becomes obvious that it’s no good for anyone involved. Everyone has an energy, and generates their own unique vibe… some people synchronise and the result is harmonious, yet others may clash and the experience is draining. It doesn’t mean either person is ‘bad’; only that sometimes it’s best to move on. Spending time with my friends and family has reinforced this to me. Forget the drama kings and queens, or people who are two-faced… they have no place in my life when there are so many genuine, wonderful people out there. I’m extremely lucky to have met so many.

2007, having set a personal best, has quite smoothly handed the baton over to 2008. The plans for this coming year are very exciting and fluid, with room for adjustments as necessary. No matter what happens, it only gets better from here.

and thus far (knock on wood) the year is going swimmingly.

_{(Fishboy-related pun fully intended.)}

The year started (finally) free from the hassles of the last few years, and full of promise. I’m really enjoying where I am, in the unfolding story that is my life. I have the opportunity to see parts of the world of which I’d always dreamt. I’ve met some amazing people… especially those 43Thingers with whom I’ve been lucky enough to come face-to-face.

This next half of the year sees me planning some very exciting ventures… getting to know more wonderful places and people. There’s also work going on in the background, paving the way for events later in the year about which I’m very excited.

I think my outlook on life generally has changed. I’m much more positive and optimistic than before. Not that I don’t have my cranky moments… heck, you certainly wouldn’t call me a Pollyanna. But I think I’ve found strengths that I didn’t previously recognise… and now I’m more likely to see challenges as exciting, and experiences (good or bad) as opportunities to learn. At this point in time, I’m rating 2007 pretty highly, as far as good years go.