by Bella Blue

Created on: January 09, 2008

I am sitting here reflecting on another passing year, I realize that 2008 has barely started. I think of the milestones that have passed and opportunities that will come. The New Year is barely in its infancy.

I ponder the past year for a moment. It was difficult because of the challenges I faced, but it ended as a very rewarding time in my life, a time of self improvement. People talk about regrets. I don't regret the decisions I made in the face of much adversity and challenge.

This past year has made me independent. For the first time, I have felt a purpose for my existence. I had been wrestling with that for a many years. I have accepted my disability and inability to work as a Registered Nurse. I strive to become stronger and be more optimistic.

I don't have to depend on others to carry me, because now they can depend on me. I have found a new sense of self worth. These feelings and emotions have led me to become a better mother to my amazing daughter. For the first time in her young life, Hannah has found a way to express herself despite her own disabilities.

Hannah and I have become a team, a Mother-Daughter team, and have come full circle from the previous year. I had felt despair that she would never recover from the ADHD and mood disorder diagnosis. I felt hopeless to deal with the behaviors she exhibited. I learned to let go and take one day at a time.

We have come through this trying time in our lives and have become stronger. I see a glimpse of the young woman she is destined to become. She is changing from my little girl into a more mature version of herself.

I see Hannah trying to be more like me. This makes me strive to be the best role model for her. I want to show her that independence is a reality, and she can do anything she wants to do. She doesn't have to give up her dreams.

This past year has also brought struggle. I didn't know how I was going to make ends meet because I was unable to work. I did a lot of on-line research and found a wonderful friend. I should say say that God found her. She made the biggest impact on my life by becoming a mentor for my home business. She, with her amazingly upbeat personality, arrived in my life when I was at my lowest moment. She taught me that anything is possible with perseverance. She was the inspiration I needed, because I saw what she accomplished. She made it look so simple.

I was a nurse. I started my own home business despite not having a business background. I designed a website and blog. I would

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