What a year it has been! We have witnessed the highs and lows of success and tragedy, experienced the miracle of birth and the sadness of loss, seen the best and worst of weather and natural disasters and gone through personal experiences that have changed us and our lives forever.

Those of us who have survived, mourn the loss of those who did not, and those with good health think of those who have suffered health reversals, some temporary some permanent.

With the coming of Summer and warmer, brighter weather, we look forward to the weeks ahead and to spending time with family and friends to celebrate life and love, to hug and to kiss and to be hugged and kissed in return.

For myself, I am joyful to have beside me my dearly loved wife of 34 years, and my precious three children and two sons-in-law along with my Grandsons, one five and one due end of January. To have close friends that I have been privileged to support, comfort and encourage and who have abundantly done so for me in return during my lows and in my times of need. I am grateful to be not only alive, but in good enough health to stand up and walk, to drive and to spend time outdoors with everyone.

Spend this time in reflection on your life, on what you have to be grateful for and oppose it against the things that bring you sadness or despair. Assure your family and your friends of their value to you in your life, of how much their love and support mean to you and forgive them the times they have hurt or disappointed you, most likely unwittingly through thoughtlessness or forgetfulness.

Humbly appreciate the fact that despite your own failings and shortcomings they love you too, and have been there for you throughout the year. Release yourself of angst and grudges and ponder how you can enhance the lives of those you love, to cause them happiness and joy by what you do and by what you say. The more you give of yourself, the happier you will be and the more you will receive in return.

As we look to the coming year, may we be determined to make a positive difference in the lives of those we associate with, to work on our own failings in order to be better people, to work hard for others and to experience the satisfaction of a job well done and the rewards of demonstrating our love to those we care about.

Life is precious and tenuous; none of us can guarantee we will live to see 2012, so be thoughtful and careful and drive/ride as valuing your own health and life, and the health and life of those you passenger. Enjoy the simple things as much as the complex, walk outside, stretch and feel the sun on your face and be grateful and smile.

All the best,
Ed.