This is a bit delayed, but here it goes…
I feel so different going into this new year over last. Last year I was starting a completely new chapter in my life and this year all I really feel is contentment. I don’t have very strong feelings one way or another thinking ahead. Looking back, now that’s a horse of a different color. 2011 was an incredible year for so many reasons. It was happy, sad, stressful, celebratory, incredibly fun and incredibly hard, but most of all looking back on it, I feel proud. Proud of all I accomplished - getting through a breakup with my head held high, tons of travel, a move across the country, a promotion, reconnecting with old friends and making so many new ones, and then finding love all over again. Never a dull moment.
A little reflection:
Would I have ever guessed a year ago I’d be where I am today? Probably not. It all would’ve sounded too good to be true, but guess what - it wasn’t. I’ve certainly leaned anything is possible and our wildest dreams can and do come true. That’s one life lesson 2011 taught me, that is for sure. Think big, go after what your instincts tell you to do, hold your head high, and be positive. If you fail, take some time to be sad and then pick your scrawny self up (that was me last Jan!) and go after what you want out of your life. If you want something more, gosh darn it, go get it. Live in the present and take chances, take risks, and step outside of your comfort zone. Look for the best in people and be grateful for all of the little things in life. Life is about the journey after all, so take things as they come, never get too far ahead of yourself and have a little faith, and you’ll do just fine. The way I keep my sanity through it all is by finding small reasons to celebrate - even if it’s just a successful home cooked meal, or a 70 degree day in the middle of winter (thanks SF!) - and most of all, have fun.
Oh and can I just say that last year in this blog post I said the words of 2011 would be sunshine and clarity. Well gee, that was right on - Hello California sunshine and contentment.
A few of my fav posts from 2011:
How to Paint an Accent Wall by Allie
NYC Birthdays - Over the Years
Friendsgiving: Stove Top Stuffing
Looking ahead:
2012 will be a great year. I’ll be traveling to Guatemala and Belize, continuing to explore California (heading up to Tahoe next month!), looking forward to visitors (my brother and his gf come in April, as well as Allie), I’ll be in 4 (!!) weddings and attending at least 6 - MOH in one - starting anew with Jeremy and building our life together in SF, continuing to move forward with my career, and trying to save money, do more yoga, cook more, read more, and perhaps learn a new language and then finally, I’ll be anxiously excited about all the rest, all that’s still unwritten.
SO, having that all said…
Here’s to the incredible and proud year behind me, contentment in SF, exploration of the west coast, and celebrations of life, love, work, travel, marriage, and so much more! And with that said, the word of 2012, celebrate. I plan to!
I rang in the New Year up in Sonoma with Jeremy and some friends. Not really a better way to ring in my first New Years in CA than in wine country, if ya ask me.
Happy belated New Year friends! Thanks for reading and coming along for my 2011 ride - it sure was a good one. Wishing you all the very best in the year ahead.
Holding up a glass, celebrating with bubbles of course,
Xx
Jenn(y)
