My Outlook on 2011 - At Least for Today

It's been an amazing year.  As I think back to January 2011, I think about the weather - that horrible winter snow that seemed to bury any passion that I had with the white stuff.  Spring, that brought on a new job at a nursery and a new found discovery of what retail, nice weather, and flowers can do to a person.  I have discovered that I am in the perfect business - gardening.  If you ever want to see the good side of someone, just start talking about how they feel about flowers, trees, or nature in general.  They get all soft and fuzzy, well most of the time anyway.  The positive energy that radiates is something you want to absorb into your skin and bask in as long as possible, and that is my field of work for the moment.  I'm not sure it gets better than this.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future,
concentrate the mind on the present moment." ~ Buddha

There have been some very sad times for me this year, but with those sad times I stepped outside of my box again and feel that I have grown.  My mom's passing was not a surprise.  How I handled my relationship with her and the final moments were a surprise for me.  Growing up into an adult really does make a difference.  And when you learn that the world really isn't all about you, doors open that you could never have imagined.

Life is not perfect, nor is it pleasant all the time.  When I take notice of what the weather brings or what happens daily in the life of nature, I realize that my life is about the same.  For now, I will continue to cherish the fine moments and learn from the less perfect moments.  I will try to survive each day and bring a little sunshine to the world around me.

Until next time:  may your days be bright and light.  When you find yourself feeling like the world just isn't right, may there be a pleasant surprise to wake up the 'fine' in you.