As this year draws to a close, I find so many things I am thankful for. I’m thankful for my family, my new home, my great job, my dog child, and red wine. I’m thankful for my many friends, the ability to have down time without stress, my many new friends in the court system, and my life, generally.

It has been a year of loss, as well. A loss of a dear friend, a steady paycheck, and some benefits that I never used. A loss of a TON of stress that had me wondering if this life was actually worth living. And that is scary.

I love listening to my favorite podcasts. I love my new morning commute. I love th a my neighborhood is so very quiet at night that I can hear a plane, high above the clouds, and absolutely no traffic noise. I love our home.

As I sit outside tonight, I think back at this year and where it has taken me. I wonder how a chance meeting the first week of law school lead me to this point in time, where a I am finally happy in my job. I wonder how I have been so very fortunate to have so many good friends over the years, and to have kept the friendships strong despite ‘re many challenges we have all been through.

I have been a part of many domestic cases at this point. Each has its own twist. Many are similar, but I’m there, helping them through it, just like my attorney did ten years ago. I’m there pressing ahead, assuring, reassuring, and just listening. Sometimes that is what people really need.

I love my life. If you don’t love yours, change it. Make it into something wonderful. It took me a long time and a lot of heartache to get here. Don’t. Give. Up.