All things must pass

North End

Don’t know where 2025 went but it sure seemed to go by quick. Seems like summer just ended not too long ago, then fall happened then… boom… winter. Can’t complain about the November weather, though… not too bad.

I don’t know about you, but at the end of every year, I look back at the year and reflect on what I’ve accomplished. I also look at what needs improvement in my life and how can I be a better person. What have I learned in the last year? Self-reflection, if you will. I try not to be too hard on myself. All I know is that whatever I attempt to do, I try my best. I give it my darnedest, I count my shortcomings and mistakes as blessings and try to learn from them as well. I

They say it’s better to give than it is to receive. These days with rising inflation and people finding it harder to put food on their own table it may be harder to give financially. Perhaps just giving your time and helping those less fortunate than yourself is the key. Or just being there for a friend or loved one when they’re going through a hard time is another way of giving. Again, just count your blessings and try to be the best you that you can be.

For me, 2025 was a pretty good year. Better than some, but even the bad years were of benefit. I kind of believe in the adage: “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” In 2017 (and for a few years after), I had a rough time, as I went through two major car accidents with the second one resulting in a broken pelvis and tailbone. But I wouldn’t change it for the world, because it changed my way of thinking. Heck, I even wrote a poem called Gratitude about the second accident, just 14 hours after it happened because I was thankful to be alive.

I learned what a handicapped person goes through and had to adapt. Fortunately, I was able to walk again. I also went through depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, which was also a learning experience. I spoke to a psychologist and psychiatrist, who helped me better understand how the mind works. Physiotherapists helped me learn and understand better how the body and muscles work. Some of the emotional stuff still pops up, but I know that tomorrow’s another day.

I guess the gist of this is that every experience in life, good or bad, has something to offer us if we just take the time to look back and smell the roses. But just remember, every rose has its thorn and every sweet cherry you chew on has a pit you must watch out for. To quote George Harrison: “All things must pass.”

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and all the best in the New Year.