Dearest 2011:  There were many times in the past year where I longed for your demise. You brought me more tears and anxiety-fueled depression than any year prior.  The record was previously held by 1991 – my freshmen year of high school.  Congratulations, you sloppy whore.

That was a bit harsh.  Now that you are two days in the past I can look back at our time together with a little perspective. During your tenure, I loathed a perfectly good job in a career I had chosen, I disliked an apartment I had recently moved into, and I was learning to live with someone for the first time in my life.  It was difficult.  My mind lost what had seemed to be a fairly solid footing between my reality and my goals.  I had never felt more lost.

In the end, I left my job because it made me unhappy.  I moved to Tampa to invest in the future of my relationship.  These were extremely difficult decisions to make.  My unbalanced mind was swimming, almost drowning in fear.  I feared quitting my job.  I feared leaving DC.  I even feared living with someone despite being in love.

Then again 2011, perhaps I just didn’t understand your leadership style.  I’ve never taken to a tough-as-nails-you’ll-thank-me-later approach. I like hand-holding and slow and gradual change.  Baby steps.  Push me off the diving board and I will forever remember you as mean, curse your lousy attitude, and pity your friends.

But now, safely in 2012, I am thanking you for bringing love into my life, for bringing me closer to family, for helping me see how wonderful my friends are, and for helping me get closer to a meaningful and fulfilling life that is truly my own.

Sincerely,

lix