If We Were Having Coffee... (Vol. 9 - Good Riddance, 2016)

If we were having coffee on this last morning of 2016, we'd be at my folks' house in West Virginia. It's a cold morning here in the mountains and the ground is covered in 2-3 inches of snow that fell yesterday.  As I did during the summer, I’d offer you a cup of my mom’s coffee. Typically, I would drink my Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry, but this morning I might indulge in some hot chocolate; it is New Year's Eve, after all, and I've not had any hot chocolate all fall or winter. Would you rather have that instead? After getting our drinks, I’d suggest we sit downstairs by the fire. 

After settling in, I'd ask how you've been.  You'd regale me with your Christmas happenings and then share your New Year's Eve plans.  After awhile, you'd ask how I've been and you'd comment on how it's been awhile since we've caught up over morning drinks.  I'd agree with you, for it has been awhile, several months actually.  I'd apologize and express how I've been very preoccupied since late summer.  "The past  four or five months have been like a rollercoaster, to be completely honest," I'd say.  "I've just had a lot on my mind."

You'd lean your head back against the sofa and wonder if you should prod.  I know I'm being vague and I hate that, I really do.  I'd gaze over at the roaring fire in the fireplace, watching the flames dance around the logs, and drift off in silent contemplation.  After several moments, I'd finally say, "This year has been exhausting and my soul is..." pausing as I searched for the right word.  "Weary."

You'd look over at me with a concerned look, but you wouldn't pry.  I so appreciate that about you.  I'd stare off into the flickering glow of the fire.  Finally, I would say, "I'm not sure I can remember a year that has been as mentally exhausting as 2016 has been."

I'd take a sip of my cocoa and continue, "Between the state of the world, all the election crap, the ugliness and hatefulness it brought out in people, and the personal issues I've dealt with as a part of my midlife crisis, it's been a very difficult year.  It has worn on me and I'm so ready to see it go."

A few minutes would pass between us as we drank our drinks in companionable silence.  "I know that 2016 contained some important lessons that I apparently needed to learn," I'd say. I'd tell you that I've tried my damnedest to listen closely to what the universe has been saying to me and to heed those lessons that have come my way.  "I know I'm a better person for having experienced those trials," I'd say.  "I trust that 2017 will be a better year and regardless of what it brings, I'm more prepared."  

After a moment or two, I'd reiterate, "It has to be better, for I'm not entirely sure I can stand another year like this one." 

I'd take another sip of my hot chocolate and gaze at the warm, orange glow before us.  Silently, I'd think, Good riddance, 2016.  Don't let the door hit ya on your way out... 2017, I'm ready.  BRING IT!

-|-

Thank you for stopping by and reading my latest installment of IWWHC. 

My wish for 2017 is this - I want people to remember their humanity and to be kinder to each other.  I want people to think before they speak.  I want people to see beyond the color of one's skin, to see beyond the gender, and to be more accepting of religions other than their own.  I want people to see that their way is not the only way.  I want people to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.

On a personal level, I want simplicity.  I want clarity.  I want to be more centered. I want to easily let go of burdens as well as things that do not bring out the best in me, including people.  I want to stay the course and not lose my way again.  I want to find joy everyday.  I want to live bolder and above all, love deeper. 

May 2017 bring you much happiness, good health, and bountiful blessings. Happy New Year.

Linking up with Diana @ Part Time Monster