I would have to agree with the Chinese curse lol. I watched my health disintegrate, and lost things I cherish, like my dancing, hiking etc..and the people I thought were friends in those groups. I woke up a few days ago and realized I was in quite a funk, so many changes in one year, and the feeling of not really knowing which direction to go, if any, and moping a bit over wanting "my old self" back.
Withdrawing a bit to investigate, it was probably one of the best things that happened, as painful as some of it was. Like your voices on the phone, I found a group of people that I feel I can call "home" and haven't had to explain myself to. The person I was a year ago is shattered, and the potential to become something new yet again is exciting, rather than depressing. My old self had a lot of flaws, the new one will too, but it will be the getting there and the experiences that will make it worth it. I have had to learn somewhat to stop focusing so hard on making sure everyone around me is ok, to turning inward a bit and making sure *I* am ok. Sounds corny but it has been pretty difficult for me and my somewhat stoic nature :)
May the times continue to be interesting, it's a big universe out there, and inside our heads. May we all have the courage in the coming year to shout our will in to it, and live with passion. No regrets...