It seems to be a recurring story, but for so many of people I know, with the exception of a couple of high points, 2013 has been a year of sadness, and another one that most will be happy to see the back of.
Deaths, divorces, illness and redundancy have run a tread of sadness through the year. But as we know, the challenges in life are there to help us become stronger. And those of us who have met those challenges and grown as a result, are still here to greet the New Year.
Happy New Year everyone. I hope that 2014 will be a healthy, fortunate, positive and above all peaceful one for you all.
The Search For Enlightenment 
Dec 31, 2013 @ 18:04:20
I agree. Lost my 55 year old mum to lung cancer on Christmas Eve. 2013 has left me bereft, faithless and a quivering wreck, not just because of the loss of my mum, but everything has nosedived from about September onwards. My only resolution for 2014 is to get through it alive.
Dec 31, 2013 @ 20:39:25
I am very sorry to hear about your mum, 55 is far too young to leave this life.
Although your year has been bad, remember that the past does not dominate the future. You control your own future, even though it may not feel like it at times.
Making the causes for the effects you wish to see might give you the positive focus you need to change things around.
I found a book, The Buddha, Geoff and Me, at a particular low point in my own life. Without overstating the case, it completely turned my world around, and I have not looked back since.
I would suggest that you find a copy and read it. It cannot do any harm, and it just might be the answer you seek.
Namaste ~ Anupadin