Anniversaries

I just celebrated an anniversary and I have been very nostalgic and reflective over what has transpired the past year. The definition of anniversary on FreeDictionary.com “The annually recurring date of a past event, especially one of historical, national, or personal importance” . The anniversary that just past was one of personal importance. 

I decided some years ago that I had a problem with something and decided to change that something and with that change all of these amazing experiences have happened that I never could have dreamed happening. 

For my entire life prior to this change, I saw life as very black and white. There was no real color..maybe some variations of grey but, that was it. I was sheltered and lived in a state of fear. Fear about other people, places and things. We all are raised with a certain idea of how things should look and be...and those ideas that I had were that things should look very similar to the way I was raised. This idea really pigeon holed my experiences, I never took chances to see things that were different. Hence, I never really ate fish because where are you getting fresh fish living in the Midwest? Or why learn how different cultures live because that might be too scary...Oh my gosh you could become something different.

In the years that have gone by I have changed so many things that I sometimes wonder if I am the same person. I sometimes refer to my past as pre-reality and today as reality. I have experienced so many things because this change allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and truly see color. A lot of the fear that I had has slipped away and fears that present themselves today can be looked at with a new set of glasses. During this time I have realized that fear is something worth conquering because after the conquest, you have grown and learned an invaluable lesson; whatever that may be. 

One story that I want to share was during my very closed minded period. I only listened to people that had authority on a subject. If you were a Regular Joe that didn’t really have the credentials to stand behind your theories, I would judge you and keep moving. How can one have an opinion on a subject if that person wasn’t educated? Boy oh boy did I miss out on a lot of information...the pie was on my face, not on the person with the theory or opinion. In this time of reality I have learned to listen. A lot of people have opinions. Some I like and keep for a later date and others I can leave behind. Today, I can listen! 

I have options today. Prior to this change I had no options! I lived a very boring black and white life...one thing had my entire attention. A thing that was very detrimental emotionally, physically and spiritually. Today I have choices! I love the opportunity to have different experiences...introduce me to new cuisines, new people! 

Prior to this anniversary I only hung out with one type of person and today one of my dear friends drives a bus and catches skunks for a hobby!!! Life is such a gift and I am grateful today beyond words. Anniversaries are a time to reflect on all the changes that have occurred over the past year; how many things that you have learned. A day I don’t learn something new is a bad day!!! We only live one day at a time!