new beginnings

I've been thinking back over the past year and the sheer devastation that it delivered. The Tsunami that hit Asia and stole away over 227,000 lives in a matter of minutes. It seemed so far away and difficult to understand. There were entire cities demolished with fewer than ten survivors. In the entire city! It's mind boggling. Then there was Hurricane Katrina right here in the U.S. And we were suddenly dealt a blow that smacked us with such force that we were made to pay attention. Much like 9/11. The death and devastation weren't thousands of miles way anymore and easy to shut out. They were here, where we felt safe. In our country.

Such massive natural disasters dwarf personal drama. But that has been going on a lot this year as well. Many of my friends, as well as myself, were forced to go through extreme personal crisis and find a way to perservere. Well I've spent some time reflecting on all of this natural and emotional turmoil and have discovered some very fundamental truths.

(1) Through extreme tragedy and chaos emerge great strength and courage. When you are forced to deal with the unimaginable, you find ways to make it through. You find ways to pick up not only yourself, but to help those around you.
(2) Following complete devasataion comes great opportunity for new beginnings. It is our nature as human beings to rebuild. Be it a tsunami, a hurricane, a flood, war, or on a smaller scale, death, heartbreak, or the loss of things familiar to you, we as people always pick up the pieces and create a new reality.

What I dream for 2006, is that it be a year of new beginnings. For those in the Tsunami and Hurricane ravaged areas, for my friends who have endured more personal turmoil than most could imagine and yet perservered, and for myself. Let us all rebuild. Stronger than before. Let our heartbreak and disappointment fuel our desire to make positive changes and grow from the forced education that comes in times of great tragedy. Let us have the strength to let go of those who hold us back, to stay positive in the face of challenges, to seek out opportunities that will better our lives, and most of all, let us not be afraid of the change that is required in exchange for fulfillment. Let the changes we make impact not only ourselves, but our families, our friends, and generations yet to come.

Yes, 2005 was a year of let down and tears. But 2006 will be the year we reclaim our dreams, our aspirations, and our drive, and work towards building a better world for ourselves. Do you feel it?