Contemplation of my navel. It's reflection time again. The end of each calendar year and the beginning of each of my birth years are close enough together to create an environment highly conducive to introspection. I spend a lot of time thinking back over each year and what it's brought to me. Here are 25 things I've had emphasized for me over the past year:

1. Be more open when discussing your feelings. It's scary but in the end, it doesn't hurt half as much as being closed off does. The benefits far outweigh the risk.
2. Cleaning out the fridge doesn't have to be a tedious chore. Do it with a loved one and it's much more enjoyable.
3. Backgammon is incredibly fun.
4. Even old, dormant friendships still have valuable life in them.
5. More aggressive edging on your skis makes for a more controlled skier.
6. Having friends over for simple meals and conversation is much more rewarding than dropping a load of money on a fancy night out on the town.
7. A fancy night out on the town is a blast, when done occasionally. If you're going to do it, do it up right!
8. A blustery day spent entirely from waking to bedtime with the sofa bed pulled out, a stack of movies, a remote control, a board game and someone you love makes for a very decadent treat.
9. We all impact others in ways we may never know. It's very, very cool when some of those people come forward and make you aware of how you've impacted them.
10. It's very cool to be the person who comes forward to express your appreciation for the impact another has had on your life.
11. Ice and rock climbing are very handy at teaching you to live in the "now". They take your concentration and focus it only on the task at hand.
12. Yoga is a friend that heals me in a number of ways.
13. Rolling your own sushi is not only fun and satisfying, it's also very affordable. And yummy.
14. Have more fun. You're never too old to enjoy tubing on the Boulder Creek. Be sure you top it off with a Chicago-style hot dog.
15. Americans eat way too much sugar. It's in nearly everything we consume (yes, even hot dogs *sigh*).
16. When you're really sick, nothing makes you feel cared for quite like homemade chicken soup and Vicks.
17. Sharing - whether it be help, possessions, thoughts or efforts - brings a lot more reward than hoarding.
18. Taking things too personally doesn't typically serve you, or those close to you, very well.
19. Cats and dogs can sleep together without chaotic results.
20. Cycling is rewarding both socially and physically, although hill climbing is still a bitch.
21. Past experiences make each person who they are today. There's no threat in cherishing those experiences for what they are and applying the lessons learned in your current life.
22. Family bonding is important.
23. "It Is What It Is" can be a good steadfast motto.
24. Winemaking is fascinating and fun. And, reaping what you sow is spectacular.
25. Changing your perspective can change your reality.

Here's wishing all of you a very rewarding New Year.