Year 2011 Was Fab! Happiness is a Choice too

Year 2011! The countdown to its end is on. Looking back at the last twelve months, I can only smile. Someone this past Saturday asked me how my year was and without hesitation I replied and told him, "It was Fab!, I had the best year in many years and I have no complaints". His reaction to my response actually made me realize how special this year was. He said "That is truly special, it is rare to hear someone say those words."

Mmmh, at that point I actually hesitated a bit and looked critically at the last one year and in all honesty, I have got nothing to complain about. I had the best time of my life. You see, my 2010 did not end so well! My new year's resolution therefore was just one. "Damaris Must Be Happy, Whatever It Takes." I therefore started the year with a mission, nothing would dampen my spirit, I will forge forward regardless of whether the world around me is falling apart and I shall strive to be happy. I decided to shed off all negative voices and personalities in my life and trust in the one Living God to accomplish this mission for me. And truly it has been fantastic. 

I guess also I had to reevaluate what it is that makes me happy. What defines me.  Is it the material things, the cars I drive, the house I live in and the supposedly happy party life and many more or just the mere fact that I woke up in the morning, breathing and alive and ready to enjoy another day. I decided I shall not be stressed by anything whatsoever. Who am I to worry if the birds of the air never worry at all? The birds wake up to a song, not to whine and cry foul! I was ready to Live, Laugh and Love! I do not remember a day of this year going to bed angry at anyone or any situation. I have learned to take it all in my stride and move on graciously, because there is more to this life than dwelling on matters that many at times, I have no direct influence on.

Three things I am most grateful for is (a) God (b) Family and (c) Friends. I'm eternally grateful to God, because in Him I have an identity and in Him I have a purpose for living. I do not have my identity pegged on someone or something. It is not by chance or coincidence that I was created. God has a purpose for me and as I live my life I am making my small contribution towards His greater mission. And this year I have felt and I bore witness of the love God has for me. It is love unconditional. Secondly, I am eternally grateful to my family. I love them all to bits. When one of us does something silly and we are all upset, I usually joke and tell them, all we share is a DNA and other than that, we have nothing else in common! Silly indeed. DNA is the most powerful connection anyone can have with another human. It is said that blood is thicker than water. I pray for them everyday and hope they all find happiness in their own special ways. Lastly, my dear friends. A day does not go by before someone calls me to chat me up. Friends are so special. I have remained accountable and focused because of some of them. My year would be so different were it not for the many friends I have.

I'm also very excited because 2011 was my healthiest of all years. Of the 52 weeks, I missed working out only 3! Quite an accomplishment for me. It has been one heck of a journey. I've gone down dress sizes, I've lost so much weight, I have over 7 pairs of sneakers that are worn out due to this hard regime. I have climbed Mount Longonot, I have hiked Ngong Hills several times. I have taken part in Dettol Heart Run, I have run the Nairobi Arboretum almost every Saturday! Though with lots of injuries, pains, blood and sweat, it has just been fantastic and totally worth it.

I am looking forward to 2012 and I think my New Year's Resolution will still remain, "Be Happy". After all, Happiness is also a choice we can make. 

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

God Bless

Damaris