Happy New Year

I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  It is hard to believe that another year has past and I wish you all the best in 2014.

Jodi and I just got back from our trip to Florida for the holidays.  We had an amazing time and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be there.  The kindness, generosity and hospitality that Bernie and Karen showed us was amazing.  It was so nice to be able to spend time with them and enjoy much of what Florida has to offer.  I was quite taken back when we were given tickets to the Dolphins game for Christmas.  We went to Sunlife Stadium and I taken aback by the enormity of the stadium and all that surrounded the game.  It was great to see all the tailgating and be part of the 70 000 in attendance at the game.  The game had play off implications too which made it even better.  It would have been nice if the Dolphins had showed up to play but, the experience was one I will never forget.  We were also able to see a Florida Panthers game against the Habs and a Florida Gulf Coast basketball game. Jodi and I played tennis almost every day and made good use of the community pool as well.  The trip was a welcome break for both of us and we had a really good time.

The vacation was good for my mind as well.  I did not have the downzies at all when I was down there.  There was a few instances where my mind raced but, I was able to maintain a good balance for most of the trip.  It was a welcome break from reality and I believe being in the sun a lot was a positive thing for me.

It is a new year and I am looking forward to the challenge before me.  I know I will still struggle mentally at times but, am hoping to continue to grow as a person and be better prepared for what may lay ahead.  We have some difficult choices to make in 2014 but, I am certain everything will work out for the best.  I am trying to accept the fact that I will always face some adversity within myself.  My thoughts and mood may not always be stable but, as each year passes it seems to get a little easier.  I am proud of much of what I accomplished in 2013 and hope to build on that in 2014.

Have an amazing 2014.  Take care,  Shawn.

" I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but, the triumph over it."  Nelson Mandela