What Will You Choose in 2012?

Last night I tried to make a collage of photos from 2011 as a NYE post, but the computer just would not cooperate with this idea. And so, I will let that one go and try something different.

It's fitting, really, because that has been the theme of 2011 for me : Letting go. As hard as it might appear in the face of it, letting go of out-grown habits, thoughts, stuff, and the way I conduct some relationships has had this wonderful effect of pulling unexpectedly positive things towards me as I let go of the old.

Some of the things I have chosen to let go of in 2011 include:

~ some relationships and situations that consistently left me feeling negative about myself.
~ some harsh inner judgements on my self-worth (related to and reflected by the above).
~ a heap of physical cluttter (truckloads, in fact)
~ a few ruts and comfort zones - including the comfort of our own familiar home for a while.


And, in letting go of the above (and more) I received:

~ A new sense of purpose and appreciation of my life.
~ A deeper, heart-felt, appreciation of the absolutely incredible friendships I am blessed with, both new and old.
~ A clearer living space (rarely tidy, but definitely more functional).
~ Unexpected, and wonderful, creative opportunities that continue to amaze me.
~ A more gentle approach to myself, and my life as it is right now; as a mother of three, including two little ones.
~ A very real sense of knowing that I am doing the very best I can for my children, with the resources I have available. This has been huge.
~ Courage to keep going and keep experimenting and trying new things.
~ Proof, in so many ways, that if I truly follow my intuition, all will unfold perfectly.
~ A renewed love for this a.m.a.z.i.n.g. region I call home. There is so much to love; so much more to discover; so much more to connect with and so many stories to tell!


2012 will see more work on letting go. It has been cathartic, but so worthwhile. I think (hope) I have gotten more into the groove of it now.

Yes, I would have liked to have put that collage of life in 2011 together, but, really, the photo below is without a doubt my favourite from the year, anyway. It shows my two little ones experiencing life with chooks and a big playground to explore as we left our home by the coast and lived up in the hills for a spell. Their enthusiasm for the "new"and their ability to make the best out of any experience is infectious.

We took a risk on that "life in the hills" stint and while there were many aspects that worked for us, there were quite a few that didn't. The grass is not always greener - who knew?! But I am so very glad we did it. We have returned with a deeper appreciation of all the good we have going for us here, in our own home, and we have so many new plans...

 I know it's only a date on the calendar, but this time of year is powerful. We can reflect, appreciate and acknowledge all the good in our lives - including the hard lessons learned in the previous year. And we can move forward, in whatever manner we choose. Therein lies the power of our lives - our choices.

I am enthusiastic about 2012 and all it has to offer. I choose to move forward creatively, with good, gentle and positive people by my side, in harmony with my family, the environment, and the community in which I live.

What will you choose for 2012, I wonder?

Thank you for dropping by this year - I do hope you (choose to) come back again in 2012, you are so very welcome.

x
Megan

p.s And, I also choose to grow garlic in my garden in 2012!