leonniefm 21 January 2009 My Life 117 views 5 Comments Print This Post  Email This Post

I closed the year 2008 almost uncelebrated. My husband was hospitalized since Christmas Eve with multiple complications for two weeks. In July I opened in this post that the year 2008 was probably the worst year since I was born. It might be a little late to post an article about last year when most people already get use to put 09 on every end of the date they write. But I owe it to my self and especially to the year 2008 to list every blessing that I got, like I wrote at the end of that article.

The Year 2008 was not the happiest year indeed but certainly the most inspiring one. That was the very year I found again the meaning of friendship. Before 2008 I have several people I could call friends but the real one was probably only my dearest husband, and he’s the best one. The world of web 2.0 had landed me on lands where many people, despite the cliché about people on the internet are not real, turned out to be genuine and kind hearted. Those are the people who I dare so very much to call friends, who have showed me that even though they have only met me very few times, the true meaning of friendship. From simple things like answering my miscellaneous questions, laughing at my silly jokes, sending me words of supports, checking up on me every now and then. They are also those people who did not leave especially when I was at my lows. They are those people who helped me in a very least expected way. For those friends, I thank the year 2008 and especially the Lord for allowing me to receive their kindness and friendship.

The Year 2008 also had given me a huge lesson about self strength. I am very much aware that I am a strong person and I’m not talking physically. My friends’ supports had somehow made me realize that even if I could be strong or at least play strong, it is never a mistake to lean on others. Strong people will always be strong. But being strong not necessary that we should be alone. Being strong not necessary to bear everything by our selves. With all these friends too, I am learning the new meaning of sharing. And to share my burdens, my pains, maybe… maybe I could share them too what was the meaning of strength. Inspirations will not be called inspirations until they are shared.

Another lesson about strength came from my struggling and recovering husband: do not expect people to be as strong as you are. Well, he meant that line very much for me. And at the end of our long hard argument, I must admit that it was my one of biggest mistake in life. I’m afraid I could not elaborate this part perfectly but I think this book: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Quitting Smoking, could:

Like many other things in life, quitting smoking takes a lot of practice. Remember when you were first learning to ride a bicycle? Sure, you fell off a few times, probably even got banged up a little, but eventually you were able to ride with confidence. Well, quitting smoking is just like riding a bicycle. You may fall off a few times, but if you keep on practicing, you will get it right

Now try to change the words “quitting smoking” and/or quitting with whatever you want to do, including “being strong”

So, the next time someone tries to tell you that quitting smoking “just takes will power,” tell him or her that he or she is wrong, dead wrong. Quitting takes motivation, determination, commitment, and specific set of skills. To put it another way, quitting takes practice.

I think the best way to close this post is by saying thank you very much to all my friends; it is an honor & a bless to receive your kindness and friendship. You all know who you are, friends. And to my dearest husband; for being such a pain in the ass, darling you are the best thing a wife could possibly ask for a husband. Enjoy every fall you must go through only because you will see that I will be there to help you back up.