A New Year's Message to the DU Lounge: Thank You.

[Writer]

I chronically journal. Of all the methods I have used to beat back the peaks and valleys of 31 very odd years, typing my thoughts into a document that no one sees but me has kept me the most sane. It's now New Year's Eve of one of the strangest, most transformative years of my life, and I want to take a moment to say thank you to the many individuals I've talked to on DU who have made that transformation enlightening.

I just reread my journal entries for 2006. Wow. I have learned so much about myself: my natural desire for freedom; my natural desire for, well, nature; my hatred of man-made convention and institutions; my love of discovering openness with complete strangers, and the kindness and love therein; the love I have for my husband, my friends, and the world about me, which helped me to cope with a bad reemergence of depression.

I have shared myself with many of you here in this forum, in one form or another, and you have shared yourselves with me. I right now, December 31, 2006, feel a sense of peace that I have not felt for months. I believe I owe much of that to many of you.

2006 was one of the oddest and saddest years I've ever endured. I will not bore you with details, but I have grown as a woman because of it. Thank you, so very much, for being one of the few bright spots. I hope 2007 brings to all of you the joys that you have brought to me.

With much sincerity,

Writer.

[Maddy McCall]

1. ...

:hug:

[FedUpWithIt All]

2. I wish you a great New Year Writer.

Yesterday aside, i really wish you all the best and i sincerely hope that the New Year brings you continued growth, love, opportunities and happiness.
:toast: :hug:

[Guava Jelly]

3. 2006 was hell for many

I am glad you are evolving and finding your happy place.
I have had fun terrorizing and chatting with you.And I am happy to have met you.
This place here..The lounge has so many wonderful caring people in it.
And i feel the same way as you do about many of them. :toast:
Have a happy 2007
:hug:

[NewWaveChick1981]

4. Thanks yourself, Writer!

:hi: You've brought a great deal to the Lounge, and I value your input. :D I know 2006 has been very hard for you, and I wish you the best 2007!

:pals:

[crim son]

5. It sounds like we feel the same way about our DU friends.

They helped me to survive when I didn't think I would and now I want to return the favor. Happy New Year, Writer :hug:

[graywarrior]

6. Happy New Year, Writer!!!!

[SPKrazy]

7. Cheers To Ya My Writer Friend!

someday I'll change my avatar

then I'll have a naughty avatar too!

:loveya: :hug:

[AlwaysQuestion]

8. Wow!

I wish I could claim to have been as sage as you at 31.

I've always wanted to keep a journal; unfortunately, I'm far too paranoid (more's the pity) to put anything on paper that I wouldn't be inclined to say publicly. And yet, as you so wisely point out, it is a great way to get a perspective on who you are, where you've been and where you're going. Getting to know and understand one's self is probably the best foundation there is to build a meaningful future. Insight! My hat's off to you--and how sweet of you to acknowledge the input of those you've communicated with here on DU. Substance with style--ya can't beat that combination.

[RetroLounge]

9. ...

:hug:

Happy 2007, you, we, everyone deserves one.

RL