TheAdventuresOfDr

soundtrack: “Down in the Valley” by The Head and the Heart

When I run through 2011 in my head I see a very definitive year in my life.  2011 was like a teacher to me and indeed schooled me through many life lessons.  I admit all of these lessons were not welcome at the time, but I truly appreciate what was gained.   I wouldn’t doubt it if I look back one day and see it as a turning point in my life.  The beginning of the year was rough to say the very least and transitioned into something wonderful.  I compare it to a childhood memory of mine when one day I became fascinated watching what happens when you throw a rock in a puddle. I was mesmerized watching waves burst from the entry point in all directions colliding with parts of other waves bouncing around from all directions.  Eventually the waves lost their energy, blended in with each other, and things returned to equilibrium revealing my face looking down from above. I think it’s a Taoist Proverb that says, “No one can see their reflection in running water.  It is only in still water that we can see”.

2011 started out with losses.

I lost a significant relationship and my best friend at the same time.

I had to say goodbye to my two pups (I miss you and your courage Beau, and Ruby the rescue dog will always be my little girl) as a by-product.

2011 had me say fare well to Boston, the city I had grown to know and love over the past 8 years.  I bowed out leaving behind my home, neighborhood, and friends. I apologize for disappearing, but I felt I needed to.

2011 taught me how to let go.

2011 brought me a new place to settle into. My new home felt like a sanctuary to me.

I had my first solo apartment in 2011.  I don’t know If I could ever have roommates again as a result.

I reconnected with an old acquaintance and met some new people in town.  Love found me along the way.

2011 reminded me that I had confidence.

I made my final student loan payment this past year.  I paid off 100K in about 4 1/2 years.

2011 taught me that I was stronger than I thought.

At one point this summer I could look back a year and list 5 apartments that I lived in. I was all over the place.

2011 taught me how to be alone with my thoughts.  It did this physically by sending me to Van Buren, Maine for a company project.  For those that don’t know where it is, look at the top of Maine.  All the way up. Isolation at it’s finest.

2011 reminded me how beautiful this world truly is.  It also showed me how amazing life can be when you get back in tune with it.

2011 showed me how rough things can be when you are approaching them erratically, and how easy they can be if you change your perspective on them.

2011 reminded me that I am a serial wanderer and I have been rooted a bit too long.

This past year I became closer to my camera than ever before.  I took lots of pictures.  I made a slideshow.

I’m ready to say goodbye to 2011.  I’ve been ready.  Nothing against you, it’s just time to part ways. I see big changes this year.

Sorry this is a month late.  I’ve been busy lately.

-Dr.