Best year ever!

Too often I hear people complain, "I hope next year is a better one", or "I'm glad this year is over", etc. I find it all a bit sad. It's almost as though these people are wishing their lives away. Admittedly, I do look forward to each new year, but am also mindful of looking back on the year that has passed with fondness and appreciation. I reckon every year that I'm still on this earth, is the best year ever!!

Obviously, a whole year is going to be filled with a mixture of ups and downs, good and bad days. But more often than not, the good days make up for the bad, so these are the ones that I choose to keep in the forefront of my mind. It's the great memories and times spent with loved ones that I remember the most over this year. And I'm so grateful as this, another new year is about to begin, that I'm still here. I'm still living, breathing, spending time with the people I love. I'm still discovering, growing, fighting the good fight. And of course, I'm still learning each and every day.

So here are some things I've learnt this year:

1. We always have the hope of a fresh start, no matter how bad things may seem. There's always a rainbow after the rain, calm after a storm, morning after the night, a new beginning after an ending.
2. That all the sayings I've ever heard about love are true. All you need is love. Love conquers all. Love covers a multitude of sins. If you have love you don't need to have anything else. If you don't have it it doesn't matter much what else you do have.
3. The sustaining power of faith. Through highs and lows, thick and thin, I can always count on my Creator.
4. A life without hope is dismal. So never, ever give up hope.

During the year, I was asked by a dear friend to put together a photo message for her young nephew in Ireland, who unfortunately is having treatment for cancer. His name is Aaron, and my hope was to encourage him through my message below. On the brink of this coming new year, substitute your name for Aaron's, and be encouraged that while ever we have breath, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! And don't ever forget how "Life's like a Cupcake!"... not always perfect maybe, but sweet all the same!!