Happy Holidays!

2009 sped by quicker than a government bailout. Before we know it, 2010 will be upon us. In retrospect, I am in awe and shock, both good and bad, at the events which will forever engrain 2009 in my mind.

For me and many of my friends and family, 2009 was a tough year indeed. No work available, friends almost landed on the street if not for the kindness of others. Family and friends passed away. My close friends have lost loved ones and friends as well. If not for my resourcefulness, (pure luck really) as a freelance agent, I would not be afloat today.

Through this darkness love and hope prevailed. Despite the aforementioned, there was a transformation the likes of which I have never seen. Families came together to help one another despite their pasts. Neighbors who would normally not even give you the time of day, all of the sudden said: “Let us know if there is anything you need.”

These “support systems” were propping up everywhere. Those without jobs used their trade in the free market-helping renovate a house in the neighborhood, picking up work wherever it was found. Most importantly, it always benefited both parties. I liken it to the bartering system only better. People were coming together; not losing their minds and going crazy like so many characters in Stephen King’s stories when faced with the same issues.

This comforted me through the year, and it continues to do so. I hear stories from my friends who travel from state to state to work, and I’m told the tenor is the same. 

I do have a lot to be thankful for and a lot of optimism. Some have said if the human race truly were evil, we would have killed ourselves off a long time ago. That argument has grown in weight recently. When the chips are down for us all, a good part of us, the majority pulls together to help each other out in whatever way they can.

There is a lot of goodness in the hearts of every human in this world. I am very happy for the kindness, and help of my friends, my family and loved ones. Without them, (you are probably one of them), I would be in bad shape.

Let us not forget how vital we are to one another. The fact this ideology not only exists but is being practiced brightens my view on the future.

May this brighten not only your holidays, but your future as well.

Happy Holidays!

Ben