by Ian Campbell

Created on: December 31, 2008

The last day of the calendar year is an opportunity to reflect upon a year of successes or failures. Many may not consciously consider all the year's events, but that doesn't take the experiences away.

For example, news agencies, radio stations, and television shows famously mark the years end by summing up a myriad of eventsrecapping popular stories ranging from the most exciting to the most troubling moments in our lives. After all, the human brain does not record the events in real time like a video camera; it captures flashes of memories, stored then recalled, according to our own perception of the events. Therefore, the media recall our flashes of perception sometimes giving us an unexpected reminder.

One such reminder comes from the most recognized New Years Eve events in the world, which happens in New York City. When New York's Times Square Ball descends, a billion onlookers will chant in unison the year's final moments echoing the demise of 2008.

As the ball drops, will you remember the high points or the low points of the year?

For me, like years passed, I will be ringing in 2009 in a bar mixing and serving drinks as the Big Orange, here in Miami, signals the end of 2008. This is also my second wedding anniversarynow, we've been married apart longer than we were married together. The two of us have been separated for over a year now. It took me awhile to get beyond the hurt I felt because of the separation. Like many who separate, I was initially confused. Unfortunately, the only way through the confusion into lucid clarity is to hold your head up, get out of bed each day, and breathe in and out until you find your peace wading amidst the river of chaos. As they say, time truly heals all wounds.

What about you?

Take it from someone who spent the final moments of 2007 in his Christian aunt's garage relatively drunk, half naked, and bitterly alone. It is important to recognize the tribulations of your past, so we may laugh about them in the present and overcome them in the future. Our entire life is a collection of these moments. The past moments guide us into the present just like all that we do today will overflow into tomorrow.

Just remember, the good times and bad times of two double oh eight are about to be outdated. All we can do is move forward with life, recognizing life happens, and it's not because of luckbut who we are and where we've been, which is why we're alive today.

I hope your memories in 2009 are as beautiful as the days they come from. As my mum would say, "I'll see you next year!" Until next time...

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