2010: A Year to Remember

      Well here it is, the "last" day of the year. It goes without saying that 2010 has been an epic year in a variety of ways for people worldwide. Suffices to take a quick look at some of the year's highlights playing back-to-back on TV or reading the papers' cover stories to feel a bit nostalgic, grateful, at at times... dismayed... for what this year has been for each and everyone of us. 

On a personal level, 2010 has been life-changing. Not only does it represent the completion of an entire year living abroad in 日本 for me, but it also marks the beginning of an entirely new way to look at life and what's important for my family. I won't go into the details, but I'm grateful for all that 2010 brought along with it; especially the challenging moments - the ones that help remind you how life can take a 180 degrees turn when you least expect it and that the only thing to do is to accept its changes and go along with them. To go with the flow - wherever it leads you. 

It goes without saying that I'm grateful for each and everyone of you who has offered support to my family- be it directly or indirectly throughout 2010 (but especially in the last few months). Believe me when I say that it is a privilege for us to be able to call ourselves your friends. 

For what it's worth, I couldn't be happier to be back in Vancouver spending the last week of the year with family and friends. I'm glad I made the decision to return after being away for fifteen months. That said though, I'm almost ready to return to Japan. This trip has made me realize more than ever before, that 日本 is where I want to be. Indeed, that's where I need to be. But regardless of how long I may stay there, I rest assured that my home is exactly where I am at any given moment of this fabulous journey we call life. 

To all of you out there who read this... regardless of whether I know you or not, or where on Earth you may currently find yourselves in, I wish you nothing but the BEST in the upcoming New Year. 

I hope you see things that amaze you! 

I hope you get to meet people with a different point of view from yours. 

I hope that life throws you a few curve balls here and there (if you need them) to help remind you of what's important in life and what truly has value. 

I hope you get or MAKE the opportunity to travel (even if it is to a new place in your own town to which you've never been). 

I hope you live a life you are proud of. 

And I hope that you never let anyone tell you what it is you can and can't do. 

A New Year is knocking: Time to Open the Door.