A Different New Year

The year-end holidays usually lead people to look back, reminisce, evaluate and reflect on the year that was. And the approaching New Year would spark more reflections and resolutions.
For me, I don't usually look back nor do I reflect about what I should and should not do in the coming year. For me, those come in bits and pieces throughout the year.
But New Year '06 was different. I got the chance to realize and reflect. Something led me to that chance. And I can only be thankful for it.
After that, I realized again that no matter how good you try to be, there will sometimes come a stumble, even just one, that will seemingly destroy everything. All past efforts will seem to have instantly gone to waste. But in the end, as long as you believe in your sincere self, that one stumble will only serve as a test that, if passed, will re-affirm and strengthen your character and values.
Bad things can lead to good. It's just a mindset. And yes, as cliche as it may sound, everything happens for a GOOD reason.