In celebration of the new year, I've decided to cast aside the tradition of setting resolutions. It's boring. It's hard work. In most cases, it's just straight up lying. Instead, I've decided to celebrate the new year by looking at things in a new light - a perspective change. A way to rediscover the delights in our lives that we so commonly overlook and take for granted. In that spirit, a couple of top 3 lists!

As the end of another year draws to a close, it seems only natural to take a moment and reflect on the last year.  I've often thought that the setting of our world can be an unfortunate combination of complicated issues that trigger political and emotional landmines while at the same time leaving little time for introspection.  As such, anytime I'm struck with the inkling of reflection, I try to embrace and grow it.

Reflection is important for emotional health. It's also imperative for personal growth. While many of my personal growth moments have been due to the generous patience and mentorship of countless of folks, I am also certain that self-reflection was a critical component.

I started my reflection with what would be best described as Hallmark thankfulness.  I have a loving and supportive family, a caring and inspiring partner, a community of friends, and a stimulating and fulfilling job. I have secure and convenient housing, access to education, a regular paycheck and I also have a steady supply of antidepressants. I'm grateful everyday. Reiterating why I'm thankful just because it's the year's end would be the easy way out.

So, I'm realizing, given my current situation, true reflection at this year's end is not just recounting what has happened or what I'm fortunate for, but really pushing myself to think about what I've been afraid to think about.  (Even beyond the typical "hard questions": Am I contributing enough to our global society? Have I been kind? Incidentally, a generous answer to both those questions would be, "sometimes.")

Even these past four paragraphs are probably longer than they ought to be because I'm reluctant to get to what I'm scared to say.

I'm anxious about having a wedding next year because I'm not totally comfortable with being queer. On top of that, admitting that I have discomfort with being queer is embarrassing for me.