Can you believe that 2009 is over! I wasn’t sure exactly what punctuation should I put on that opening statement, a question mark or an exclamation point. The fact is another year is indeed over and goes into the record books. It’s one thing dealing with the mechanics of the calendar and  another feeling happy to accept it.

I’m shaking my head as I wonder where the time went in 2009 and how the landmark decade of the 21st century has flown by. I have asked myself before whether I would be aware if time was somehow passing quicker. I guess it’s all about one’s perception in terms of the way that time is measured, experienced and rationalized. Is this perception affected by a busy schedule, by having a job or a routine that is benchmarked by deadlines?

If your one of those highly organized people who plan their activities in advance, do you find that time passes really slowly leading up to an occasion and then goes by super fast throughout the course of the event itself? And by the time it ends, the feeling of anticipation is crushed by the disappointment that it’s all over.

Luckily, I never suffer from that because I’m Mr. Spontaneous, generally disorganized and without the ability or the foresight to plan anything.

So with a new year upon us, it’s time to take stock I guess. What did I learn about myself and the world in 2009? As far as looking inwards goes, I once again count myself very lucky in life. With the religious belief and faith in God, I always try to be true and honest to myself and those around me, and when the opportunity presents itself, I extend a helping hand to others.

It has been a year to reflect on relationships with my family and the role that plays within that structure. It’s been four years now since I’ve been here in Dubai and because of that I have been a little remote over the years which has only increased my emotional distance from my loved ones. This year I will do everything to deal with that issue and be more active in interacting with them.

There also has been an instance in 2009 when an emotional change has come about. Rachelle came into my life  and from then on everything became a bit more happier and satisfying, making my outlook into the new year less than bleak and more hopeful and clearer, having a sense of direction.

More generally, I remember 2009 as being the year of, among other things, the global financial crisis. I think this has affected the whole world in general, making life harder to live by. I have been witness to many friends and colleagues losing their jobs almost everyday. I just thank God i was not one of them, instead He has blessed me with a new one. Also, in hindsight, I wish I have bought some shares in companies that manufacture those little bottles of hand sanitizer (due to widespread swine flu) and  in Michael Jackson’s publishing company (when the King of Pop’s death spurred the flood of written material about his life and achievements). because sales in those areas skyrocketed!

In closing, I just hope the new year brings new hope and beginnings! May God bless us all!