Dante talked about a second chance, and even the Pope in 1999 declared purgatory only a "condition of existence".  The concept of purgatory/purification is not based on one's final destination, or one's place between this world and another.  It's the process of reliving one's life choices and making peace with them.  

Sometimes, when the disconnect between our aspirations and our realities is too painful, purgatory describes our journey itself.  Perspective matters.  It may take a massive breakdown, a prolonged bender, good friends, or simply a touching song, but we will get it, the perspective we need.

We are all given a second chance, a third, a fourth and beyond - if only we look closely enough.  We can choose not to accept the state of chaos that comes with not knowing where we stand or where we are going.  Or we can accept it triumphantly. Reveling in it  and cleansing myself of fear, speakers blasting inspired music, is what I look forward to the most in 2010. And with the new year upon us, I ask you all do the same.