Saying Goodbye on a Positive Note

As I’m sitting here and writing this blog post, I realize there are only a couple of days left until the end of the year. The end of a decade, actually! And for whatever reason, all I’ve been hearing is how 2019 has been a horrible year for so many people out there. Though it was far from perfect for me, I wouldn’t ride it off as one of the worst years. And to be honest, it’s not because I finally got that dream job I’ve always wanted, made any improvements in terms of my health (hello, chronic illness!) or my prayers were answered at last.

Like any other year, 2019 came with its own challenges and disappointments. For as long as I can remember, every time I have looked back at the year that went by, I have always focused on my struggles. This year, however, is the first time I’ve been able to look back at the year that went by and realize how each challenge came with its own lesson or helped me grow in its own way. Though I can’t see the results of all the work I put in this year, I am able to appreciate the journey I’m going through! And let me just tell you, it’s a beautiful feeling to be able to acknowledge that.

Let me guess – 2019 has probably been a tough year because you started the year off being optimistic and set achievable goals but later saw the year taking a completely different turn. As a result, most of us ended up getting caught up in the negativity of our failures and our ability to see the good in these situations got blocked by our emotions. I mean it’s only obvious to react that way because we are talking about watching our plans and dreams fade away. But that’s when I took that extra step needed to change my perspective on the year, and suggest you do the same!

Instead of focusing on how well things could have been and how unfortunate we are to be dealing with all our struggles, turn them into life lessons. And if the hidden lesson in it can’t be found, choose to believe in a higher purpose. Let’s recognize the growth through all the pain and feel it with everything within us! Remember that difficult moments give us strength in the future. They transform us into a much more determined and happier person! And misfortune can sometimes turn into the most beautiful blessings!

If you find that you still can’t give your pain a purpose, here’s something I do to minimize the pain! Stop thinking of all the unfortunate things that happened this year. Instead, think of all the good things that happened and make a list! Think of every tiny little thing and write it down! I currently have 24 things on my list. Here’s a few of them:

1. I attended Chronicon, the first-ever chronic illness conference.
2. Not only did I get to see a live taping of the Patriot Act, but I also got to be a part of one of their skits and got paid for it! (I guess I can include acting on my resume now?)
3. Starbucks now has Nanaimo bars on their menu!
4. I started THIS blog!

To be honest, if I were to start thinking about the number of bad things that happened to me this year, my list would probably be 10 times longer but why concentrate on that? Why not think of all the ways this year helped me become who I am today? Why not look at the amount of growth I’ve seen within myself this year? Instead of focusing on how tough the year has been, I’m choosing to focus on the good and leave behind whatever it is that has been hard about this year. Because the only thing that’s really in our hands is what we choose to do with our struggles, failures, and hardships. So let’s take from it the growth, lessons, and development!

So if you’re having a hard time, don’t worry, I’m TERRIBLE at goodbyes as well, but this is one goodbye I’m tryna ace and I think you should too! So get out there and make your own list! And maybe, just maybe you can share a few of the things with me in the comments below? Yes, no, yes!?! Okay, I’ll take the yes as an answer! Until next year …

Love and spoons,

Sara