December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
Strength. Courage. I can’t decide which one. Reconciliation, running, traveling, moving. It was such a busy, great year. In so many ways 2010 was the year i became myself. I have no idea what 2011 will hold. Hopefully continued peace, strength and courage.
December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
My life is pretty full. All of it contributes to the loop in my brain. I don’t have time to do anything that doesn’t contribute to family, health, love and life. If i could give up grocery shopping i would.
December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
Two things come to my mind. First, when i was so sick last week in Vegas that i truly thought i was dying. My body was screaming with life and struggling to bring itself back to an even keel. Second, when i finished my first half-marathon and looked over and saw my family waving and cheering me on. Such an immense feeling of pride.
December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)
I think i did. At moments. I try to do this for my kids, it’s one of those things that i lay in bed thinking about and promise to myself to try harder/do better the next day. Childhood is flying by for my children, every day that sense of wonder slips a little further away for them. I want to hold that magic for them.
December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
I let go of being single and a single mother. Most days i am content and happy with my choice. Love is a battlefield. Messy and awesome.
December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)
I’m not a maker of things. I don’t even like cooking anymore. I’m a doer i guess.
December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)
I have discovered an amazing running community, both locally and online. I am really happy to have this group of people around me who are so focused on healthy habits and genuine support, and encouragement. I want to get more involved locally. Run with other people, attend meet-ups. Make friends i guess. I would like to make some friends next year.
December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)
I often feel like i’m different than most people. I don’t fit in very well. I’m awkward – which often comes across as weird – and super shy – which often comes across as snobby. One thing that i do that i really love about myself is that i am very positive. I always compliment people. I am not scared of beauty, it does not intimidate me in any way and i love to tell people what i think is beautiful about them. I can see the joy it brings. I notice most people don’t like to give comments and that intrigues me. I want to figure out why.
December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)
A small affair. A little black dress, some candles, a blanket on the floor, a lovely dinner, good music and shane.
December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)
I gave up being scared. I mean fear didn’t go away, i just embraced it – the racing heart, the negative talk in my head, the doubts, the what if’s. I kept all those, but i added a positive loop in my head – “what’s the worst thing that can happen?” Because, in so many ways, i feel like i have already survived so many worst things that can happen and they have made me stronger and healthier, mind and body, than i have ever been.
December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)
Drama. My life has revolved around so much drama over the past five or six years. I am done with it and even if it’s there i’m not going to tell you about it. Drama stays out for good.
December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)
I don’t really understand how this would feel, so my gut tells me i have never experienced it. I know when i run long distances i have complete separation of mind and body. My body just goes, one foot in front of the other, and my mind races in a different direction. Cohesive me, alive and present – i think i live in my head too much for that.
December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)
When i switched my blog around (twice) this year my feeds got all messed up and i lost most, if not all, of my subscribers. At first i panicked, but than i found it kind of freeing. Instead of thousands of people looking each day to see what mess i had made now, there was a small group of amazing and supportive people who have given me hope and wonder and joy without any sense of judgement or expectation. I am going to continue to reinvent myself and my blog and it is exciting and new. Something i needed after almost seven years of online writing.
December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)
Time. Time alone, with friends, with family, with shane. I am so much more comfortable with all aspects of my life. I feel a balance that i have never had before. My life has the perfect mix of time well spent.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
after reading your post, I feel like you are whole again….this year has reshaped your priorities and has filled you with a health and healing perspective which has included rebuilding relationships both in love and in life…I look forward to spending time with you in the coming year as I come to the completion of my nursing degree in April which will allow me to spend more time rekindling old and special relationships such as ours….
xofiona
J,
as someone who didn’t know you during the struggles you reference, I will say that I take great strength from your words. I see you as a whole, interesting, thoughtful person. It gives me hope that I too can come through the turmoil I am in the midst of, also healthy and whole. I appreciate people like you who are able to articulate so openly, it helps those of us who are more guarded or closed off. Thank you.
jenna