here's to 2010
look a little closer on flickr...Last year, Mary told us to think of a word that encompassed the year, a word that would bring us back to our goal, our resolutions. Truthfully, I'm not sure I had an actual "resolution" - I was just trying to "figure it out" (aren't we all??) but looking back I see that my reminder word ended up being a major reflection of 2010.My reminder word?listenToo often I've brushed past my own ideas and feelings and gotten lost in the ideas of others. Whenever I'm in an "uncomfortable" place, I express my thoughts immediately hoping to find answers to soothe my ache. I catch their words of comfort and put them in my pocket - not daring to let anyone take them away.When really, all I needed to do was listen to myself...My voice. My gut. My intuition. That nagging feeling of "knowing" has always been strong, but this year I finally let it guide me. In listening to myself I found honesty and started doing things for myself, things that really made me happy.Who knew that finding happiness could be so simple? Just by listening to yourself?I realize this sounds very cliche ~ but if you think about it, "answers" (getting it, life, figuring it out) are quite simple. Although what works for me, may not be what works for others. I get that.In reviewing my photos from the past year, I realized that I was happy. Maybe the happiest I've been since moving to this city. That's exciting and wonderful. Of course I'm scared that this elation will go away for I cannot predict what is going to happen in the future, but I've learned that I can control how I react to my often-oh-so-turbulent-over-reactive-dramatic-emotions and this is a good start to more happy (hopefully) years to come. And it all started with listening to my inner voice.As far as my word for 2011 - that's still to be decided.**Last year I was happy to say good riddance to 2009 - it was a rough year -- but 2010 -- I'm a little sad to see you go!We've had a great year~Getting my camera |:.. making fun valentines |:.. having my childhood best friend visit me and watching him get married |:. visiting mary and georgia in oklahoma |:.. a great birthday |:. being part of a fairy tale wedding and seeing all of my girlies from college including a summer visit from katy |:. many lazy days at the beach |:. midnight train to montauk |:. new york cares day 2010 |:. late night pie making with friends |:. key west |:. dancing pumpkins |:. the open roads of iowa and especially seeing katie mary |:. lots of music and art |:. and making a difference |:. and of course loveAll that said, I'm really excited about this year. I already have things to look forward to:
- a painting class at FIT
- moving in with HT
- i plan to travel more ~ maybe i'll visit some of my faraway friends - or more warm places
- volunteering
- spring flowers
- lazy beach days
- and so much more...
So folks ~ here's to the New Year, resolutions, and happiness.HAPPY NEW YEAR!photo mosaic made with this awesome free download by andrea mosaic