OPINION: All in all, 2010 not a bad year

While all years have highs and lows, I must say 2010 was a rather good one for me. It’s human nature to focus on the negative that happens in our lives. I’m no exception.

However, 2010 simply had too many positives associated with it for me to view it as something with an overall bad tone.

First, I have made my most serious attempt at getting myself in better shape. Something that has been long overdue, I have been working with a personal trainer in recent months to try and shape up, thin down and hopefully start getting better results from my doctor when I go for my regular checkups.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been times when I’ve been on the verge of falling out — literally — but knowing that I am doing something so positive for my health is great motivation. That’s what something like this always comes down to. Hopefully that motivation stays with me throughout 2011.

Second, my high school alma mater won its first-ever state football championship this fall. I was able to follow my old team through its postseason run. Seeing old friends and making new ones was something special for me during those weekly Friday treks back home. It’s still hard to believe it’s been so long since I walked the high school halls but this new generation of students is doing quite well I’m pleased to report.

Another positive aspect of the past year was the reconnection I had with two special childhood friends. They were never far from my mind but time, careers and other factors had separated us. Once we got back together, it was like the years didn’t exist. Friendship can be a special thing and is something I’ve always valued. It’s nice to know those you’ve always thought a great deal of think of you in the same way. Now with the invention of Facebook and text messaging, even living in different towns presents no challenge in staying in touch.

Perhaps the biggest piece of good news from 2010 has been the improving health of my better half’s mom. The previous year was a scary one for all of us but through the miracle of doctors and medicine the outlook on 2011 seems very bright. All the petty things we worry about on a daily basis really aren’t that important in the big scheme of things when you consider it. The health of the ones we care about should always be at the top of our concern list.

I posted on my Facebook page over the weekend that we had entered the long, dreary road to spring. The holidays are over now and there’s nothing to look forward to but the dead of winter. Everything seems cold and in hibernation.

While this statement was made somewhat tongue in cheek, it’s nice to know that if that is my biggest concern then I’m doing OK. Those closest to me are still doing well. I have been blessed with an unofficial family in the place I live who gives me more support and encouragement than I possible deserve.

Through it all, 2010 was a pretty good year. For that I am thankful. People like to throw out resolutions this time of year. Many are fun. Some are silly. Some are simply not obtainable.

For me, I think I will continue to focus on being thankful. It’s important to look at the brighter side of life, even when it may seem tough to do so. We have so many blessings that we take for granted that many times we should stop and remember all the good things we do have rather than longing for those which are out of reach.

Happy New Year.

Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal, a sister publication of The Banks County News. He can be reached at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.