It’s been one hell of a year full of change, loss and personal growth.

Over the course of the last 365 days, I have felt as if I were on top of the world, feeling lucky and fortunate knowing what the universe had made possible at that very moment. There were also a couple of times of feeling very low, wondering how could things have gotten to that point…it left me doubting myself and questioning my judgment.

This year taught me that change is good and despite my initial reactions of resistance, panic, and fear it is usually always for the best.

As I look ahead to the new year, I will not make resolutions – I stopped doing that years ago. I will, however, continue to do the necessary self-inventory in order to achieve personal growth and work towards the goals I have set.

I will continue to love, honor and respect those I consider friends, who treat me the same, and I will no longer make people and relationships a priority when they are no longer doing the same.

Since personal growth is a never ending task, there are aspects of my personality which are always “under construction” and I do not see it being any different in the new year, although I am striving for significant progress.

There are other changes I am making to my daily life and routine, none of which I feel the need to announce but I find them necessary…very necessary.

So here’s to 2013!

Another year full of change, loss, and personal growth.

Another chance to get it right.

Paradise

Edema. My feet were looking like loafs of bread and my toes like sausage links. That’s what 23 hours on three different planes got me. But, those 23 hours also got me to one of the most beautiful locations in the world, Phuket, Thailand.

If you ever consider traveling to Asia, fly Korean Air. I think they invented customer service!! Even in economy class the service is excellent. They offer hot food service with real silverware…none of that plastic dinnerware found on US carriers. Parents traveling with infants are offered bassinets which snap onto the wall of the cabin, usually in the exit row. Their attention to detail is impeccable.

We were originally scheduled to catch a connecting flight in Seoul, Korea to Phuket but due to the solar flare storms, we were diverted to Bangkok from Seoul for an overnight stay in a hotel in the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The hotel’s accommodations were in true Asian minimalist style – small bathroom with only a shower and two twin beds for a double occupancy. Nothing luxurious about it but after 23 hours on a 2 planes, I had no complaints, plus the airline comped the room.

The next morning we flew Bangkok Air to Phuket which only took an hour, thankfully.
The JW Marriott Beach Club is EXCELLENT!! I can’t adequately describe the hotel because I’m typing this post using my Xoom tablet with a wireless keyboard. If you’re familiar you know the keyboard is small. Ugh!
So you might be asking, “Why Thailand?”, like a few others have. My response – “Why not?” It’s bad form to answer a question with a question, but in this case, I must.
You are given one life and it is your charge to live it to the fullest. Dare to think outside the box and open yourself to new possibilities. Seek out cultures and people that are different and unfamiliar to what you’re accustomed. Remove the shackles!!!!
When you do that, you will never as me “Why Thailand?” but instead ask yourself, “Why not Thailand?”