In the final hours of 2016 it seems appropriate to look back and forward. On a personal level it has not been an easy year and I know that the same is true for many. For me there have been challenges I would have rather never faced, but there was no choice. It was sink or swim, so we’re doing our best to swim. The words of Dory in the film Nemo come to mind – “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”
I know 2017 will bring more challenges. Some I already know, so I can be prepared, but there are the hidden ones that take us by surprise, that can knock us off balance. I just hope that I will find the grace and strength to meet all these challenges head on.
From a blogging perspective, I have enjoyed the experience of writing, commenting and engaging with the WordPress community. Thank you to all of you who take time to read and comment. It astonishes me that someone halfway across the world would be interested in reading what I have to say. It is humbling. In a world where it seems that we are becoming increasingly divided it is an important lesson. It shows me that we have more in common with each other than we think. Perhaps in 2017, we can spend a little more time finding similarities with each other, and in so doing learn to respect each other and the differences that will inevitability be there too.
There is no magic wand. But there is humanity and each of us in our small way can do a little to change things. It may be as simple as sharing a smile with a stranger. Little steps. Often we are not even aware of the suffering of those around us. But by sharing a smile perhaps we can bring a little light, a little bit of hope into that person’s day.
So here’s too a brighter and more hopeful 2017.
Oh yes, here’s to a Happy New Year.
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Indeed Cathy – are you working on your 2017 list?!
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It is humbling and heartening that our blogging friends come from all over the world! In truth, I believe that everyone has more in common than differences. It all boils down to what we choose to focus upon. So here’s to celebrating a year of seeing more commonalities! Happy 2017!
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I so agree Eliza. I hope 2017 is another great year for you in your beautiful garden. Happy New Year!
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Thank you. 🙂
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I second that thought. From, New York, USA Happy New Year!
On Sat, Dec 31, 2016 at 3:48 PM, Murtagh’s Meadow wrote:
> Murtagh’s Meadow posted: “In the final hours of 2016 it seems appropriate > to look back and forward. On a personal level it has not been an easy year > and I know that the same is true for many. For me there have been > challenges I would have rather never faced, but there was no choic” >
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Thank you and Happy New Year in New York!
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Well said! All the very best to you!
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…and you. Happy New Year.
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your photo is perfect for leaving 2016 and looking to 2017.. Best wishes for 2017.
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..and to you Vicki and thank you for reading.
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Beautiful photo and sentiments — all the best to you and yours for the coming year.
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And to you and thank you for all your inspirational photographs.
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I’ve enjoyed your blog this year–thank you! Happy New Year from Washington State 🙂
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I am glad you have enjoyed reading Cherie – and I hope you have a very Happy New Year there in Washington State.
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Perfect! Thank you for the blog darling and here’s to 2017. Just keep swimming! xxxx
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..and thank you for being such a loyal follower Miranda. And yes Just Keep Swimming!!
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Wishing you an uneventful and stress-free 2017!
Encouraged by Nana Cathy I’m starting to put together a 17 for 17 list, so I may be joining with you in a list of plans! I do like a good list!
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Excellent – the more the merrier! I have started working on mine and I look forward to reading yours!
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I’m just wondering what I might like to do 17 times in the year!
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That one is still blank for me too!
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Yes, quite a year for the range of experiences. Surprised, I suppose, that you feel humbled as I enjoy and feel lucky to read your blog and what other souls have to say. Here’s to 2017 then with my sincerest best for you and your smashing family. Jane xx
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So kind Jane. I am so glad you enjoy reading. Here’s to a great 2017 for us all.
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Love your photo and share your sentiments – all the very best for 2017!
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Thank you – hope you have a great 2017 too:)
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Go n-eírí an bóthar leat!
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Thank you Melissa
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Beautifully said! Wishing you hope, health & happiness in 2017!!!
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Thank you Lori and the same to you:)
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Well said. Thank you. And a happy new year to you.
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Thank you Cynthia. Hope 2017 brings you lots of joy.
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Happy New Year… may all the bees buzz your garden to Eden status! 😉
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Thank you AJ – a lovely wish indeed. I hope 2017 brings you good health and lots of fun.
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