So, it’s about that time.
All the cool kids are doing it.
Must post something about 2013. You know, resolutions or something.
To be fair, I DO love resolutions. One of my life goals is to spend every New Year’s Day at the ocean, reflecting. I decided awhile back that it’s a much better way to spend the new year than hung over on the couch.
Not sure I’ll make the ocean part happen this year, we’ll see.
But, before I can look forward, I have to look back.
2012.
Struggle and happiness, chaos and peace. Immense gratitude. I learned, a lot. I wrote, a lot. So much stuffed into 12 months. Do I have it all figured out? Not hardly. But, I feel better balanced than ever before. Happy, even. In the spirit of Thankfulness Thursdays, I leave you with my 2012 Gratitude List (and pictures dug out of this year’s blog).
Work:
I feel so fortunate to have a teaching job as a new-ish teacher in our current economy. This year was hard, but I became a better teacher one day at a time, and each day I feel a step closer to making this my lifelong work, instead of something I lovingly survive for the time being. So much gratitude.
2012’s valentines to my students, proof my heart is in the right place!
And, can’t complain about my night job. It may not pay the bills (yet) but writing makes me happy.
Reading:
I was definitely an ADHD reader this year. Still have ten or so titles half finished on my dresser… The book I was most grateful to finish, hands down, Dear Sugar.
Cheryl Strayed speaks to every human emotion in this book. So real, so touching. She writes with an unabashed openness I strive to emulate…
Music:
I’m thankful for the Lumineers’ soulful lyrics set to summer in the backyard with family, our car cruising down the coast, a sea of people at Golden Gate Park…
Places:
So much gratitude to live on such a beautiful planet and to have the means to see it even in a year that did not always feel easy.
San Francisco at sunrise
Magical Kauai
Oregon Coast sunset
Mom’s Mt. Shasta
People:
More than anything else, I am grateful for the people in my life, friends, family, near and far… Oh yeah, and my dog too, he counts, right?
No greater gratitude than for the people in my life.
Health:
And, not to be forgotten, this was the year I discovered my own power in healing. So thankful.
Yoga, meditation… healing.
Other bloggers:
Even though I started blogging in 2011, my move to WordPress cemented my commitment to putting my words out there and becoming part of a greater community. I am truly grateful for all the connections I have made this year– words of wisdom from every corner of the globe, thank YOU!
So, your turn, what tops your 2012 Gratitude List?
oliviaobryon 
Dogs definitely count in the grateful for family category…:-) They love you more unconditionally than most family members will ever know how to…
So true! 🙂
Ok, I took your challenge. I had actually been sitting in church this morning listing all my blessings (instead of paying attention!) I also wanted to tell you I got Cheryl Strayed’s new book, “Wild” for my birthday today. I can’t wait to read it! Loved Sugar!
Happy New Year
Awesome! Headed your way to check out what you wrote next. Let me know what you think of Wild– may have to add it to my read list. And, church seems like the perfect place to count your blessings, distracted or not 😀
I love your gratitude list! And am so happy to have made a tiny contribution. You’ve inspired me to make my own gratitude list (and you’re on it)! Happy almost 2013!
You made more than a tiny contribution– you are part of that huge friends and family gratitude. You’re really framily. Like my new word? Glad I made your list too– are you publishing it to a blog or keeping it private? I’ve been missing Tanya blogs… Happy New Year– so glad we got to spend an afternoon together before 2013.
Aww I love the term framily!! And I’m so happy we’re in each others!
I just wrote my gratitude list today in a drawing pad right below my resolutions — one of which is to get blogging again (or start a new online illustration/fashion adventure)..still plotting :D.
Love you! Happy happy new year! Can’t wait for our future Marin date :).
🙂 Excited for what’s to come!
Lovely post, Olivia. Have a great 2013.
Thank you, happy 2013 to you as well!
I do hope you make it to the ocean! I would love to start my New Year’s that way too: open, vast, beautiful and a great place to reflect. I have enjoyed reading your posts over this past year. Happy New Year!
Thank you! Happy New Year to you as well! 🙂
I love that we even seem to have the same taste in music. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Did you have a favorite band of 2012? Would love to check them out! Happy New Year to you as well!
I am not sure how 2013 can be much better for you!! You live such a happy and wonderful life and are surrounded (rather, surround yourself) with positive energy. You are an inspiration in many ways. Happy New Year girl!!!
Thanks Melanie– that means a lot, because 2012 felt challenging in many ways, but I worked hard to keep it as positive as possible, (and I think it helped!). Happy New Year to you! Can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store! 😀
Always remember you are part of the Sunshine that lights the world. May 2013 bring you all your heart desires. 🙂 Peace.
What a lovely message– the same to you as well! Happy New Year!