2011 has officially come to an end.  And I can’t say that I’m sad to see it go.  As I think back over the past few years, I feel like so many of them run together.  Much of them were business as usual with a couple of highlights here and there.  But this year was different.  There were many highs and many lows that just seemed to continue throughout the year:

I started to focus on my life and what I wanted

I lost my best friend (not to death)

I regained a long lost friend

I got chased

I chased

I loved

I lost

I spent 6 weeks in the UK

I went to Paris (twice!)

I melted down

I started to get to know people better

I started to let people get to know me better

I got good at saying no (and being ok with it)

I learned to swim

I took surfing lessons (in Mexico!)

I completed a triathlon (my first one!)

I worked really long and hard at work

I learned that I can do more

I learned that I am strong

I learned that I’m a hot mess sometimes

I decided to get rid of my boxes

I bought a backpack (and stayed in a hostel – wow!)

I went to Zambia and saw the breathtaking Victoria Falls

I traveled on many planes, a train, and even a bus!

I pushed myself to do new things

I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone

I dreamed big

I moved some dreams forward

I helped others move their dreams forward

I (re)discovered my creative side

I found my voice

I lost my voice (but later regained it)

I had triumphs

I fell down

I melted down

I was proud of myself

I was disappointed in myself

I protested

I gave a city another chance (and realized I liked it!)

I learned some things the hard way

I started to see some things clearly

I realized that it’s ok not to have all the answers

I got some answers

I spent some time with some old friends

I connected with some family that I hadn’t been connected to in 20 years

I realized what is important (and what really isn’t)

My smile started to change

I changed

I (re)discovered me

I started to be honest with myself

I learned some things about myself that I liked

I learned some things about myself that I don’t like so much (that I need to deal with)

I grew

I got in shape

I enjoyed live music at a few concerts

I lived (like never before!)

2011 was an eventful year.  It was a hard year.  In the end, I have to be thankful for what I’ve been through.  Overall I am better for it.  And now it’s time to close the door and move on to the next year.  To a new chapter.  To new possibilities.  To more living.  Lot’s more of it.

What was your 2011 like, and how will it change your 2012?

Memories are great.  Except for when you stay stuck always remembering the past, instead of living in the present, and preparing for a future filled with many more memories.  Don’t get so caught up in the past.  Your best days may very well still be in front of you.  But you’ll miss them if you’re still looking back.

Have you ever had a bad day?  I’ve had plenty of days that just didn’t quite go the way I wanted them to.  And since I’ve had my share, here are a few things that I’ve learned along the way to help me turn those days around:

• Remember the big picture – don’t take your eyes of the big prize.  Focus on the goal you are trying to achieve and the impact that will have on your life and in the life of others.  It will help fuel you to keep going.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff – It will only get you off track.  Focus instead on the big picture (see above).
• Stay out of the spiral – when things seem to be going bad, and sometimes from bad to worse, keeping your mind in an emotionally healthy state is essential for you to be able to move forward.  And you can’t do that if you are in a downward spiral on your way to meltdownville.  So instead of letting your mind wander down the road of everything that is wrong or all the things that could go wrong, instead meditate on all the things that are good, and all the possibilities that can come.
• Get some help – At times, you may need some help to get you to a better place.  If you do, don’t hesitate to find something (healthy) that will keep you from going down that road to nowhere – be it a funny joke, a song, a prayer, a friend, whatever works.
• Remember that tomorrow is a brand new day – As bad as your day may have been, know that you will get a fresh day to start a new soon.  You don’t have to wait until a new day to get some pep back in your step
• Remember what’s really important – there have been many times that I’ve gotten all twisted up over situations that at the end of the day weren’t really that important.  So it was a waste to waste my emotions and time getting twisted up over it.  Remember what’s important.  Especially what is really important.  It helps you to put the other stuff into proper perspective.  (See don’t sweat the small stuff)