I’ve decided I am going to participate in this Reverb11 project.
The purpose of Reverb11 is to reflect on the past year and usher in the new year with intention. Rather than blindly entering 2012, you enter the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment. This new perspective enables you to be more proactive rather than merely reactive.
I feel like this will be a good way for me to acknowledge the accomplishments of 2011, but also find peace and closure with some of the tough stuff. 2011 was a lot better than 2010, but was also a struggle as I dealt with the remnants of 2010, plus some new pain, but in the midst of that I also had a lot of really fun times, and continued to learn many valuable lessons through both the good and the bad experiences.
Anyway, so Reverb11 (if you didn’t want to click the link and read up on it) is a daily prompt throughout December in which you “reflect on the past year and manifest what’s to come in the new year.” It is something you can just think about, journal, or post and share (which is what I’ve decided to do).
I am starting a little late, so I am going to catch up here… (My answers are in red)
1. One Word
Encapsulate the year 2011 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 2012 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
Growth. Maybe I am cheating a little here because it dawned on me that Growth was one of the one words I chose last January for the 2011 ahead of me, but I think now that I am at the end of 2011 I find that the word Growth was completely appropriate (which I guess is why it came to mind so quickly). I think 2011 really was a year of growth and it continues to be today.
As for what I think my word will be for 2012… I can’t stop thinking the word Awesome. Hopefully I am not setting my self up to be disappointed, but I think 2012 is going to be a great year for me! An awesome one! I will be turning 30 in the beginning of the year, which I look forward to, and since I will be getting this new job which aligns more with my passion, I feel like it is going to be a year full of passion, new experiences, continued growth, and even bigger accomplishments (oh, and an awesome, healthy relationship too)!
2. Writing
What piece of writing are you most proud of from 2011? How does this piece differ from your other pieces?
Since I don’t consider myself a writer this question doesn’t really resonate as much with me, but I do have to say that I am proud of keeping up this little blog of mine, and I know there have been some posts that I felt quite proud of!
Additionally, if I change the prompt a bit to my own creative outlet of visual art, and ask myself which piece of work I am most proud of from 2011, I would have to say my painting “Glow.” It is not a very a big piece, but it represents a big turning point of sorts. It is the piece which seems to have started the next leap of growth in my work. I am quite proud of it, and it is also special to me because it represents letting my inner light glow despite the things that try to dim it…
3. Year in Review
As you reflect back on the happenings of 2011, what were your high points and what were your low points? What do you notice as you look back on the year as a whole?
As I made the following lists I realized that although the pain from the “low times” lingers they are much harder to think of and sum up than the “high times”. I think that says something… Maybe 2011 was better than I thought.
High points
My first solo showing at a coffee shop (in Scottsdale, AZ)
The paintings which reflect the growth I’ve experienced in my work
My nephew being born
All of the fun times with my friends
The time I got to spend with my family in May
My second trip to Belgium in August, and the time I got to spend with my best friend who lives there
My success at advocating for myself for an appropriate raise at work
Showing my art work many times over the year and putting myself out there even more
Setting up another solo show at a local coffee shop in January
High points still to come/fostering positive thoughts…
Getting my new job tomorrow! (I am so getting this job!)
My new-to-me, less expensive, but comfortable home (which will make itself available to me very soon!)
My amazing trip home for the holidays and all the time I get to spend with my family and friends
Low points
Realizing the tough changes that needed to happen, but putting them off over and over because my heart couldn’t let go and didn’t want to cause hurt to anyone else either. (But at least I eventually realized that I needed to care for myself better and started taking steps in the right direction. No regrets, though… having a big, open heart is not a bad thing, but not making sure to use it on yourself, too, can be.)
Not believing in myself enough at times
Doubting my own awesomess at times and in turn allowing myself to be taken for granted or otherwise not seeking what I deserved
4. Beauty
How have your standards of beauty shifted in the past year?
I am not sure they have. I find beauty in the every day; in simple things.
I appreciate inner beauty the most, and believe that it shines through and makes a person that much more beautiful on the outside, too.
5. Reading
What has been your favorite book (or books if you can’t pick just one) that you’ve read this year?
Hmm… this reminds me how much I wish I did more reading over the year. I guess I will say Art and Fear, though I still need to finish it. It isn’t an amazing book, but it has a number of wisdoms within it that helped me find some perspective.
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Joy is not in things; it is in us. ~Richard Wagner
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