a belated HAPPY NEW YEAR

....FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF LEBANON...

I've chosen this photo above to represent my new year for many many reasons...

Although I am not a pessimist and have a very spiritual outlook on life...from time to time,even the most hopeful and faithful amongst us feel as somber and helpless as this lonesome tree...

We all have to face life's inevitable and unexpected turns, and the worst one I can think of is one that involves the loss of a loved one... but the question is:

How do we get back on track? 

Do we, or should we,  prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for these situations? 

How do we go to work and attempt to function like any other day?

How do we as emotional beings, gather up the might, to conceal a weeping heart?

How do we keep ourselves from getting demoralized from life itself, and from devaluing our hopes & dreams?

How do we prevent ourselves from living in a state of paranoia when experiencing the worst of the worst? 

Is it by convincing ourselves that it could'v been worse?or by stating the obvious: "This is fate."

Do we just have to believe that this is the cycle of life, like this tree does?

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For this New year, I ask from that Higher power that watches upon us all (or whatever power you believe in) to have Mercy on us all. To give us the patience and strength that we need to be able to deal with life's twists & turns...and to surround us with Love, because as cliche as that sounds, I believe the answer to the questions above are plain and simple: 

LOVE and COMPASSION... And that's the only wish I have for everyone this year...