A new year is on the horizon and during this time many of us take a moment or two to look back on the past year and ask ourselves questions like “Did I set out to do what I had planned?” ” Did I make the most of the past year?” ” Was I true to myself?” The list can go on and on. I know I’ve written about looking ahead to the future and not dwelling on the past, but in this instance it is acceptable to reflect on what 2012 has meant to you.
I recently received a comment on an older blog post and when I re-read what I had written some months ago it brought tears to my eyes, just as the day I wrote it. During this moment I decided to read a few more of the older posts to see what kind of reaction I would have. In reading I was reminded of what I was carrying with me at the time I wrote each individual article. Some gave me an initial reaction of thank God I survived that! Other’s had me holding back tears. Then there were a few that gave me a “OMG I shared that” moment. The upside is I didn’t realize how much I have changed, grown and strengthened until I started reading.
Ironically, the post that was the hardest for me to write and still the hardest for me to read today is “All The King’s Horses”. In that post I comment on how much I have grown, strengthened and transformed! Yet, as I look back on it now I see myself even stronger. Other’s that stand out are “Broken Can Be Beautiful”, and “Be The Cup”. If you haven’t had a chance to read those I highly recommend it!
So, if I were to take a look back on 2012 what would I find? Well, for starter’s when I began my blogging journey my children told me that blogging is the adult version of whining about it! Interesting take on the world of blogging I suppose, however I made it a point to show them some of my first several comments from subscriber’s telling me how much my post had strengthened or meant something to them. Score one for Mom.
In my writing world: I am a little disappointed that I am not further along on the eBook that I had promised last August. But like I said in an update, I cannot finish a book if I am still in the process of living through what I want to pass along to other’s. The eBook is half done and when the time is right I will complete it. I have secured a photograph for the cover of the eBook courtesy of Tracie Louise Photography. I was thrilled to have the chance to submit an unpublished article to the New York Times!! I was very close to having it published when we hit a snag, I am not an expert in my field, meaning I do not hold a degree in divorce. That was a little upsetting, but the fact that I made it that far in the process was very rewarding!
The stress of 2012: We are getting closer to an answer with my health issues and that is a very big relief! That is something that has been weighing me down for a very long time. Which reminds me, check out the post “When Life Weighs You Down”. I survived two unexpected losses but going through them has added more energy to becoming stronger.
Emotions: I am becoming more in tune with my intuition, which is something that is very important to me. I spent a lot of years ignoring that little voice inside of me. I am more at ease with what I survived. I have learned how to channel my feelings into positive energy in the hopes of helping other’s going through a similar struggle.
Highlights: I was very pleased this year to receive the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, courtesy of Elizabeth at Almost Spring. During 2012 my insane obsession for butterflies really took on a new meaning! I am surrounded by photos, coffee mugs, jewelry, wall hangings, and the best is the personalized license plate! The moment I am most proud of is when I discovered or realized my passion for writing. It is something I never studied and never really considered would be a part of my life. When I sit down to write I am at peace. Even if the topic is upsetting to me, writing puts me in a place within my spirit. It is the one time when I am truly alone with my thoughts, emotions, and feelings. I am grateful for this gift or talent, though I’m not sure just how good I am at it yet. I can say that I enjoy writing very much and could make a career out of it if I was given the opportunity. It warms my heart when I receive comments from reader’s saying how I have helped them on their journey, or just the fact that I shared something with them that they can relate to. That is what it is all about!
Looking back now with a few obstacles set aside, I’d have to say that 2012 wasn’t all that bad. I have made positive changes in my life 
that will carry me into the future. I still have some work to do in some areas but hey no one is perfect. I am excited to see what the coming year brings into my life. I know that I am strong enough to handle any obstacle be it good or bad. This butterfly is ready to fly into 2013.
Are you ready to fly? Leave a comment.
Kimberly
Courageous Butterfly
12/30/12
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