2016 - My Unexpected Year

There seems to be a general feeling that 2016 wasn't a great year - Trump & Bowie (the wrong one died), Syria's continuing woes, the rise almost globally of the far right and an overdose of elections. But for me 2016 bucked the trend.  It was one of the best year's in recent memory. Personally speaking - yes, all that other stuff was bad, but my own year was fantastic.

Here's why..

• I travelled extensively with my family, and on my own and shared in the wonders of our world through both the history and geography.  Doing that together with those I love was very special.
• I achieved some long-desired objectives at work and then left my job, which when done by design is an incredible feeling of freedom.
• I was exposed and learned from some work tasks that opened my eyes to an entire new world of potential (and issues), and one I can't un-see now.  That's a good thing as you can't buy perspective.
• I was able to physically run a number of big races, including half and full marathons, climb mountains and reach deeply into myself to achieve what I initially believed wasn't possible.
• I got injured but recovered, and was uncomfortable in numerous situations, but managed through them.  I popped the bubble of my own comfort zone nicely, expanding it in the process.
• I failed well at getting a new role - and that as well was a learning exercise in a positive way
• I had some great times with friends and met new people that I think the world of.
• I was able to support those I care very much about in some tangible ways that I think meant lots to them, and I went out of my own way to help others beyond family too.
• I was able to visit new lands like Nepal, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and revisit some favourites like New Zealand and Peru. It was a year where I was able to experience some of the most unforgettable places I've every been, and survived them - even when they tried to kill me (I'm talking about you New Zealand!)

It was a year of realized and unrealized potential.

For the record - I understand that I am quite fortunate.  Besides the chance of my birth situation, I've a loving healthy family with two mind-blowingly well adjusted kids and an incredibly bright, focussed spouse.  I always worked smart, and so am able to leverage our financial situation into the flexibility i currently enjoy.  I'd like to say to you that I earned this fortuitous year, but really I believe that sacrifice is what you do to earn a positive outcome, so I'll just leave it at I'm lucky.

Here's to 2017 - it'll be better, and it'll be worse but mostly it will be what we make of it.