Although technically my tradition's new year begins at Samhain, I always take time to pause and reflect upon the end of the calendar year as well. Marking time is an excellent way to mark one's own progress and transitions, and I always try to take a little time to evaluate where I was this time last year and where I am now and hope that I am better off. For many years, it did not seem to be so. Each "new year" simply brought promises of what *could* be rather than a celebration of what is/was, and while the new year DOES bring many unknown promises of gifts to come/ dreams yet to be realized, more and more I am realizing that it is important to live "in" the moment and celebrate that as well.

While I realize that I am not *exactly* where I hope to be by next year's end, I can also recognize that I *am* much closer and much happier than I've been in a very long time. I have friends with whom to share the good times and the bad, and, even in this rather rocky economy, I have been able to build a financial stability unlike any I've enjoyed for some time. My kids are awesome and probably happier than they have been in a very long time. Overall, I while I continue to set goals for myself (as I feel this is important to promote growth), I am for once not just looking forward to what will be but also enjoying what is.

During this holiday season, I can only hope the same for you all. Brightest Blessings for a spectacular New Year and all that it brings!