I don’t know about you, but I’ll be happy to turn the page on 2012 and look forward to the optimism 2013 will ring in, a few hours from now. 2012 had its moments but by and large it was filled with more bad memories and anger filled drama than we’ve experienced in the last decade. This has not been one of my families banner years and I suspect there are countless throngs who echo the sentiment.
As we close out the year we’ve yet to resolve the fiscal cliff and all the battles that come with the looming debt, tax rates and out-of-control spending. But then, on the positive side, if you’re reading this we’ve survived the Mayan Calendar prediction that the world would come to an end at 6 a.m. on Dec. 21 so from that perspective one could assume 2012 could have been worse.
It just seems like 2012 left us hanging in so many different ways. The election didn’t seem to resolve any issues. The economy hasn’t shown any clear direction toward recovery or recession. Gasoline prices continue to ebb and flow at the upper limits of way too high. Health care hasn’t gotten any cheaper and there still appears to be as much ranker over where the Affordable Health Care Act will take us, as bureaucrats continue to interpret and draft the legislation which will likely be debated in the courts for years.
I have always believed that life is usually what you make it. If you get lemons, make lemonade. If you are down don't become out. There is something to be said for grit, determination and perservance. Many of our friends and family members have had to face so many different types of personal battles during 2012. Some more difficult than others.
I have been unemployed for about nine months and let me tell you it is no picnic. I have probably applied to well over 2,000 jobs and been on at least twenty-five interviews and that does not take into account about fifty phone interviews. A couple of times, I was even told that I was the 'second' seed for the job that I applied for. While that may be nice, it still doesn't pay bills and keep us out of extreme poverty. I have continually revamped my resume and cover letter to ensure that it meets the uniuqe criteria listed for specific job requirements. Our personal balance sheet looks much worse today than at the beginning of 2012.
I look forward to a new year filled with much better results. Whatever struggles that you may have in 2013, remember, to keep your wits about you and keep pushing forward. Life is what you make it. It will get better; the key is to keep your eyes on the prize and not to give up.
The 2013 New Year's bells are ringing and I believe it is going to be a great year and hope the very same thing for each of you! Happy New Year!
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