This time of year once again

So here we are, approaching the beginning of the end. The beginning of the end of another year. 2011. When we reminisce the past, it seems as though time has flown by too fast for our liking. Where did those times go? How did it go by so quickly? It makes us realize that memories are all about how certain events or certain people have made us feel, not about some trivial details that will fade away and be forgotten in the long run. We think about the smiles, the laughs, the jokes and adventures we’ve shared with our family and friends. School is out for break and we can finally put aside the textbooks and focus on the people around us.

For myself personally, I’ve gained and lost a number of friends. I’ve gained a friend whom I can share every single one of my secrets with. I’m thankful for all the things I’ve learned from this friendship and for all the wonderful things to come. I’ve lost a friend whom I used to call my best friend. I’m not bitter about it. In fact, I’m thankful for all the things this friendship had to offer me. And I’m thankful for all the times I’ve spent with this friend. And finally, I’ve regained a friendship that I lost before. I’m thankful for all the memories this friendship gave me and I’m thankful that I was given another chance. For me, this was my Christmas miracle.

I’m not proud of myself for being grateful only around this time of year. But then again, it’s better to be grateful at all, than not at all. Just as the once in a lifetime Nov 11, 2011 at 11:11 a.m. is not going to revisit us, this year will never come back. In fact, the very seconds you spent reading this blog will not come back. But we all know that already.

We’re constantly making memories everyday. And we’re constantly changing, even by the slightest degree, everyday. If I had to name some of the things I will always remember this year, it would be remembering all the friends I made at the beginning of Grade 12. Knowing that I have only so little time left of youth, it makes me want all the more to spend every day the best I can. And of course, it’s been half a year blogging with YAA. In the beginning I had no idea what I would write about. I was afraid that I would run out of things to say by week three or four. But over time, the very opposite happened. I had so many things I wanted to say. Blogging gradually became a weekly duty to something I eagerly anticipated. It became my escape.

So all in all, I would have to say 2011 was great. Although I’d like to, ideally, take the time to reflect and think of ways to improve myself whenever I can, I wouldn’t say no to doing such things around New Year’s. Goodbye to the beginning of the end, and here is to a new beginning!