Remembering The Pains And Triumphs Of 2008
Liz and our niece, LaNiyah.
Juliet, a regular reader and author of LifeMadeGreat, mentioned the importance of pondering the past year, before pushing toward the future. It was a small sentence, embedded in her comment on Monday’s post, but it was all I needed to break out my mental photo album and start the gears grinding.
2008, for me, was filled with many extremes in emotion with a few sobering moments to boot. It was a year of birth, mis-birth, and many new marriages. Odd things happened, like us kids being the ones already married and all our parents walking down aisles. Liz became pregnant, then not, and then once more. And now I’m moving away from a 5 year old business, in pursuit of something greater. The roller coaster ride was one to remember.
The Many Marriages
As many of you may already know, my dad past away in 2004 and Liz’s parents divorced in ’02. So we were left with 3 out of our 4 parents, with none having spouses of their own. This year that all changed. Years have gone by with no one finding that ‘right’ person. Then suddenly, BOOM!, all 3 parents decided to tie the knot (2 in the same month). Needless to say, walking my mom down the ailse was a wonderful, unique experience.
Bring on the Babies!
Another addition to our family was LaNiyah, our precious little niece. She was born on May 22nd and has truly been a blessing and a joy to invite into our family. She is full of smiles and as easy going as they come.
Liz became pregnant at the beginning of the year, but had a miscarriage 12 weeks later. After about 4 more months of trying, we finally became pregnant once again. This time, we’ve made it well past the first trimester and we’re doing very well. (Liz’s due date is on May 22nd. Leniah’s 1st birthday! 
)
From Business to Blogging, to Blogging Business
After 5 years of owning/running a computer consulting business, I was ready for a change of direction. In late July I started this blog and after a few months began collaborating with other bloggers. Now, I’m in a transition stage as I move away from the consulting so I can fully pursue my online ventures. So though it can be a little scary at times, I’m confident in the future and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
The Life Changers of ’08
Can you think of one thing that happened to you this past year that has changed your life? It can certainly be a ground breaking experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Just one instance in 2008 that has adjusted your perspective permanently.
Be sure to make it tomorrow (hangover or not…hopefully not.) It will be time to declare your resolutions to Blogopolis and I’ll have a post just for that purpose! See you then…
9 Responses to “Remembering The Pains And Triumphs Of 2008”
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If I had to choose only one thing, I’d have to say I became positive. This was through getting a life coach, who showed me my good qualities, then taught me how to work through a lot of situations. She taught me to think positively in all situations. Then she turned me loose, because I was then able to do the work without her. I graduated, which was the whole point. I was able to succeed on my own! I recognize my God given talents and along with Him, I can work through things and come up with solutions to anything. Now I have goals and a future. I have creativity and a life. Life finally makes sense.
The one thing — I’d have to say a new positive attitude with a future to go with it!
Thanks for a great question.
krissy knox
http://www.twitter.com/iamkrissy
What an eventful year!
If just one thing this year changed my life, then it was probably a slow realisation rather than an event. I have always intended in the end to live and die right here, within 50 miles of where my family can be traced back into the late Middle Ages, even though I’ve lived abroad before. But, now I’ve grown less emotionally bound to this place and I feel I could find that feeling elsewhere. It’s extremely liberating!
Emma’s last blog post..Historical Stocking Stuffers
Eric
You’ve had quite a year!
When I pondered your question and looked back at my own year, there were three significant events.
I traveled abroad for the first time by myself. This trip gave me a much needed boost in self-confidence that I really can step out of my comfort zone and follow my dreams.
I navigated the first stage of becoming an empty-nester as my youngest daughter headed off to college. As my role of mommy is changing, I have more time now to add new dimensions to my life.
I started a blog as an outlet and commitment to practice writing and photography. I’m not where I want to be with it yet, but working at it and enjoying the process.
kathy’s last blog post..Free your Creative Spirit with Beginner’s Mind
Well I had two things. I started to finally realize I had a voice and started my site and had you and your buddy Sean design it- Thanks!
Number 2 happen Monday when I was laid off. It has been a year of discovery and some pain but 2009 is going to be great Eric…..for us all!
Jay’s last blog post..What I learned from Being “Laid Off”
It has been a pleasure joining you on the 2nd half of your jounrey this year. Sounds like good things are in store for 2009! All the best!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy’s last blog post..What’s In Store For 2009?: You Tell Me!
Hey Eric,
Life definitely has it fair share of ups and downs. I got myself landed in the hospital that woke me up to spend more effort to take care of myself and also it was during those time, that my blog was launched. Wish you good luck and success for your coming new year. Have a great 2009!
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Vincent’s last blog post..Is Analysis Paralysis Stopping You From Taking Action?
Hi Eric,
It sounds like you’ve had quite a year!
I was feeling stuck in a rut for much of 2008, nothing seemed to change, then in November I started thinking “surely there’s more to life than this?” shortly after that I was off to the United Arab Emirates to be a Bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding, that was truly one of the best moments of my life
On returning to the UK, I lost my job but was lucky enough to get a new job lined up for January. So I’ve had some time to rest, think and see how the other half lives so to speak (he works from home, the biorhythm site is one of his programming projects
). It was interesting to have so much change in such a short space of time! I’m really looking forward to what 2009 will bring 
Best of luck to you for 2009!
Hi Eric
I am glad that my words were beneficial
For me I think that the most life-changing experience in 2008 was starting my blog. It is a “world” out there that I’ve been waiting to find.
Thank you for the mention
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet’s last blog post..What Is The Meaning Of New Year?
@Krissy: Positivity is an AWESOME new attribute! Go with and don’t let anyone keep you from seeing that glass as half full!
@Emma: Often times it’s more of the ‘slow burn’ effect and not just a specific event that adjusts our mindset for the future. It sounds like you’ve come to that new mindset over many months of small ‘adjustments’ in thinking. That’s great and I hope the best for the months ahead!
@Kathy: It sounds like YOU’VE had a big year yourself. I’ve yet to have the ‘empty nest’ experience, but I hear it can take some time to get used to. And I’m excited about your blog. May it grow exponentially in ’09!
@Jay: I’m sorry to hear you got laid off, and yet it sounds like it may have been right ‘next step’ in you pursuing the lifestyle that both you and your life want to live. So that’s exciting. I hope the best in all your pursuits and your welcome!
@Matt: My pleasure as well, Matt. It should be an exciting time, looking forward.
@Vincent: Isn’t it awesome, though, how events that at first seem awful, can turn into positive life changing experiences?! I wish all the best to you as well.
@Bonnie: Losing your job seems like the theme of 2008, but I think many, with the right mindset of course, will come out of all this with a much better life situation. I’m glad you’ve got something lined up. Let’s have a great 2009!
@Juliet: Blogging has been an amazing experience for me as well. Let’s make 2009 an ‘explosion year’ for your blogs and really make our voices heard! Eric.