Which things matter?

Of all the things that happen in a year's time, how do you pinpoint the things that really mattered, that will really make a difference for your life from here on out?  I wondered about this as I completed my year-end review of 2008 (a New Year's ritual I've done for years and years). 

It's easy to go through the calendar and list things that happened (three trips to Davidson, N.C. and one to Las Vegas; Mom moving back to her apartment; 5 overnights at the cabin, etc.). My calendars and daily diary track such events with precision.  

I can also name the emotional high point and low point of 2008:  the election of Obama and our dear dog Spud's death.  I'll remember those two things, I'm sure, but are they the ones that matter in the long run to who I am?  What were the things that helped me grow? What gave me wisdom or insight? What decisions did I make that will make a difference somewhere in the future? 

I think I'll designate 2009 as the Year of Introspection.  I'll try to take more time to examine my inward journey and note down what I thinking about as well as which plays I'm going to and who I'm having lunch with.