It seems that many people are ready to say goodbye to 2009.  It seemed like the year was riddled with deaths, break ups, sicknesses, changes, job losses and injuries... more than usual.

Like many of you, I was not immune to the 2009 virus.  I thought I took the vaccine but no amount of positive thinking could get me through the year 2009.  Why? Why? Why? We are human, not super human, just human.  We are guaranteed to go through rough times - it is how we carry ourselves and what we learn in those darker moments that really count.  All year I was reminded of what my grandmother told me when I went through cancer:

"Hannah, the only way you can experience and recognize great joy is if you have experienced deep pain." 


So for all of us who have experienced deep pain this year - let's celebrate together! Now we will truly be able to enjoy happiness - we will feel it in our bones, our souls and our hearts. 

Here is my 2010 Poem I wrote.  

Can You See?

Can you see the road in front?
     Or are you too busy looking behind you?

Can you imagine all the possibilities?
     Or are you wrapped up in all the past disappointments?

Can you feel the love?
     Or are you stuck in rejection?

Our greatest joy can come from our greatest pain.
Our moment of clarity can from our biggest road block.
Our greatest love can come from our deepest heart break.

Relish in the darker moments as this is where our deepest learnings take place.
Celebrate the happy moments as this is where our heart grows.
Love who you are now as this is where we can accept others.

Can you see that just as the sun sets, the sun also rises the next morning.  

Cheers to 2010, a year of hope, communication, growth, learning, laughter and love.

- Hannah