In reading my last post of 2006 just a few minutes ago, I noticed how battered I seemed this time a year ago, proud I was still standing, but not eager to repeat any part of the previous 12 months. Not one day of it. I had hoped and predicted to 2007 would be a year of "bold aventures, impending opportunities, limitless possibility."

And so it has been. This year I started a company, wrote two book proposals, traveled far and saw much. I deepened relationships with old friends and family and made new ones. I learned about classical music and theater, about what my city and country can and will do to shape its destiny. I ran eight miles without stopping. I fell in love.

I am never sad to see a year go because, if I've done my job living wisely and well, it will have prepared me for the year to come and I have no regrets. But as I write this, after watching an achingly beautiful sunset, my woman across the table from me on her own laptop, I feel just a little bit sad. Because in a decade or so, I will have looked back at 2007 as the year where so much of what now treasure was first born.

But that's for then. Tonight I will spend a quiet night at home enjoying the last bundle of hours of our joint vacation. Next week's for laying out the 2008 game plan, reflecting on new possibilities and second chances. Then it's back to work, a new president, new projects, more ways of looking at our world. A new year.

I believe we are in fact offered this every day if we choose to take advantage of it. New Year's Eve is just the global reminder that such redemption exists, and belongs to each of us.

So goodbye 2007. Thank you for what you have shown me. In return I promise to use it to guide me forward into 2008 and see the bounty of this past year with wisdom, respect and profound gratitude.

Straight on 'till morning....

Comments

[Mace]

Kevin, what a beautiful sentiment!

I have to admit, though, I giggled at the typo: my women across the table from me. 2007 evidently WAS a good year for you.

[Kevin Smokler]

Thanks Macer. All fixed now.

[MJ]

cheers to 2008 indeed and future memories in the making.

[the slackmistress]

You write as if anything is possible, which makes me feel like anything is possible. I wanted to start the new year telling you just that.

xo
sm

[James McNally]

Thanks as always for your optimism! Looking forward to sharing your successes this year!

[ari]

seeing the difference between your 2006 post and the 2007 one gives me hope for the coming year. So thanks for that! See you soon.

[Kevin Smokler]

Thank you all. Sharing it with each of you makes it possible.