2012 With a Bow on Top
December 31, 2012 |
| Photo courtesy Klaus Post |
2012’s parting gift to me was the Head Cold from Hell, which
forced me to slow down, rest, and do nothing. I wanted to do that anyway, but without quite
so much mucous production. It wasn’t all bad, though. While I sniffled
and coughed in my bed, I also read books I want to finish by year’s end and pondered
the year that was:
2012 started out with Contemplation Month and, as usual,
some efforts to clear things out and become more organized, a tradition I think
I will continue. I chose Passion as my word of the year,
and proceeded to ignore it.
After a rough 2011, 2012 seemed to be following suit after
we had a minor car accident in March,
but that car accident was a turning point. I changed my expectations and found
that 2012 was actually mostly a good year, filled with interesting books, a
couple of fun trips, and simple pleasures galore. My son turned 18,
I got my office back and this blog turned 3. I finished up the year with a weekend spent having my mind blown at a Parelli
Natural Horsemanship event, where—BIG ANNOUNCEMENT—I became a “Social Media Rock Star” and won a prize for my photographs. (They haven’t posted the winners from Tampa yet, so you’ll just have to take my word for it!)
On the more serious side, I noticed that I often felt
overwhelmed and too busy in the last few months of the year, and my
self-discipline when it came to writing was all but non-existent. These major
issues must change and will be receiving plenty of attention in January.
After watching what others have gone through in 2012, I
realize that it’s a privilege to blather on about my emotions and goals, the
small and big things that I find interesting and that make me happy. Living
through 2012 was a gift, just as each day is a gift for those of us lucky
enough to wake up to see it.
As the old year passes away, I face 2013 hopefully. Jan. 1
always feels like a fresh start and I look forward to a new year of simple
pleasures and everyday adventures (I’ve been called for possible jury duty again!). I hope your 2012 was a year of
happiness and growth, and that 2013 is even better.
What did you take away from 2012? What are your hopes for
the new year?
10 comments
What wonderful photos--congrats, that is truly impressive! It sounds like you had a mostly great year (sorry about the car accident!), and I always make plans or lists and then ignore them, too, but somehow they put me in the right mind set for the new year, so I can't stop myself from making them. I haven't thought yet what I want for 2013--just happiness, good books and family and friends. Hopefully work will quiet down a bit--it's going to be rocky going there this spring. Best wishes to you and your family in 2013! Happy New Year, Kathy--thanks so much for your comments on my blog--I enjoy them so much and love chatting with you online! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Danielle. I hope you have a wonderful 2013 (good luck at work!) filled with all the things that make you happy. I have to say, I count you as one of my favorite new friends I've met through blogging, and I take a lot of pleasure in reading your posts and commenting. Here's to many more fun chats and great books in the new year!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you've had a head cold - those are NO FUN at all. At least you were able to get some reading done. Congrats on winning a prize for your photos - that's really exciting. I'll be reading to see how you deal with feeling overwhelmed. Will your son be going away to college next fall? And if so, will that free up any of your time? I'm glad you do "blather on about [your] emotions and goals" because I enjoy reading what you write.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Cheryl! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so glad you're a regular visitor to the blog, and I appreciate all your comments and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, the plan is for my son to go to a local university and live in a dorm there, contingent upon finances and whether or not he gets a particular scholarship. If he doesn't, he'll be living at home and going to school, which for us I don't think is going to be ideal. Keep your fingers crossed that he gets that scholarship!
As far as being overwhelmed, I am going to be making some changes in how I approach life, so stay tuned. :)
I hope your cold is clearing up by now! I try to see the positive side...now you've got some immunity to the next cold virus you encounter!
ReplyDeleteCongratuations on the photo award, and best wishes for the New Year! I look forward to reading about 2013.
I'm much better, thanks. All the best to you, as well. Here's hoping for a fantastic 2013!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy! I love your year in review and how you linked everything up to your blog posts. I might copy you on that, but it sounds like a lot of work, lol. Hope you are feeling better, and congrats on your new rock star status. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
2012 was a pretty challenging and overwhelming year for me. There were many memorable and special moments, but they were intermingled with many other less memorable moments. I am happy to be starting a fresh new year - freeing myself from the challenges of 2012. I'm looking forward to the unfolding of 2013. One intention for 2013 is to spend more time, energy, and yes 'focus' on my art. Time to get back to it!!!
ReplyDeleteKathy--Actually, it wasn't that hard using Blogger's list of posts! Thanks for the well wishes--hope you have/had a happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHi, Claire--Sorry to hear your 2012 was so challenging. I know the feeling (see 2011). Hope 2013 is much better for you, full of good friends, family and plenty of time for art.
ReplyDelete