For Auld Lang Syne

As I shut the door after the last of my guests had departed,I turned around to wade through party hats,confetti and balloons to sink into my couch and stretch. The evening had turned out to be more fun than I'd expected it to. With a sigh of exhaustion,I realised that this was the beginning of yet another year, yet another collection of stories for my journal, yet another endless string of lonely nights, moments of exhilaration,  possible triumphs,probably heartbreaks and infinite expectations.

Somehow, it seems like several years have passed in the last 365 days. I have learnt to be more independent than I have ever been in the past.I have made new friends, lost out on some old ones, made mistakes, felt pain and pride. My travels took me to the ends of the continent from icy slopes to alligator-infested waters. My confidence in my professional capability has soared even though prospects themselves have ebbed beyond belief. 

Above all, I have come to realise that I am now ever so closer to that moment I once dreaded but now am excited about. It will not be easy but it will have to be done. The wait has made me a stronger person who will not cower to pressure or yield to guilt. Every day I have learnt to be true to myself and expose that truth to the ones who truly love and care for me. 

I have not completely conquered my fears and perhaps that won't be such a bad thing. I have been fortunate enough to meet the kind of people this past year who have vowed to be there for me when the time comes and shoulder me in the aftermath. I am touched that they are anxiously waiting to hear from me when the time comes.

There are moments when people promise to be there for one another. In time, the intensity of their promise wears away and is replaced by the awkwardness of reconnection. Sincere words disappear and trite expressions save the day."I know! It's been ages!","Yes we must do lunch soon!""Definitely,we'll visit you guys soon".

But when friends make promises and check with you frequently to find out when they can be there for you, those are the moments you should treasure and revel in the joy of knowing that you are loved unconditionally.

Fortunately for me, these were the people who were present with me to ring in the new year.

Probably my most important one ever....