Tom got his cookie!

I just really needed resolution. The following was written as a continuation, as per request of my student.

Tom flopped onto the ground, tail limp and bill quivering in sadness. He had been looking forward to munching and crunching on his friend's delicious cookies too. Then, as he looked around, he saw everyone holding onto a cookie and looking happy. Now, that wasn't too bad. Perhaps, some of them might not even have had a chance to eat cookies before this party! He might not have a cookie now but he would always have an opportunity for another next time! Feeling better, Tom got back onto his feet.

Right then, a wee little hedgehog trotted over. "Hi Tom," the hedgehog squeaked, "I heard that you were coming and was worried that there might not be enough cookies, so I made this for you."

The hedgehog reached its tiny paw into a crinkled paper bag. Out came a cookie with bits of earthworm in it. "I added my favourite worms. I find they add quite an exotic flavour."

Tom accepted the cookie gratefully and bit into it. It tasted odd but it was the softest, moistest and most flavourful cookie he had ever eaten. Tom smiled. He might not have gotten the best cookies but he had found something better - a friend.

Of Life's Little Blessings

I stumbled upon this sometime back in October last year while browsing Facebook. Back then, I'd been dealing with some personal issues - perhaps I'll write about that someday - and burnt out from work and life. At no point of time, was I in any position or emotionally or mentally capable of feeling  grateful.

So I saved it and left it for a time when I'd be in a better position to. Where I am, now, I look back with mixed feelings. It's strange how so much can change within just a year; how much life can teach in the span of just 12 months.

2016 is a year that I look back on with mixed feelings. It wasn't particularly terrible but bridges were burnt, relationships were forged and lessons were learnt. And I am grateful for the lessons learnt.

2016 had been a year where many dark secrets were uncovered and some suspicions I'd long harboured about a group of people been confirmed. To realise that I'd been played the fool all this while had hurt, but I'm glad that it had happened. It truly enabled me to view things through a fresh perspective and to be able to develop a deeper compassion for people who're hurting - and this had proven helpful when dealing with a friend who was dealing with betrayal of her own.

2016 was also a year where I finally came to terms with myself. With that, came a newfound strength to move on and to allow myself genuinely engage with others; to allow myself to be vulnerable and be part of a community. To know that I can be freely myself without having to watch every word I say and every step I take is liberating, to say in the least.

More importantly, all of this helped me to realise who and what really mattered to me, and vice versa. It helped me to discover who were the ones who would stand by me even when I wasn't all quite there.

So here's to those who've stood by me. I don't regret or hate 2016 but I look forward to what's to come for 2017.