Gratitude... and Celebration

Some years we're excited about the New Year, mostly because we're glad to see the old year go.  But I gotta say - 2011 has potentially been the best year of my life.  Which is an awesome thing to be able to say, I realize.  From Cali to Key West to Italy to Napa... to my brother's wedding... to the fun I've had dating... to the even-MORE-fun I've had with friends and family... to my successes at work... to this, my writing space: it has been an amazing ride.  Honestly, I am almost anxious about 2012 because... what if it's not as good a year??  [Weird?: I feel like the odd-numbered years are better than the even-numbered years... anyone else notice that?]  Though, I shall think positively, as I am prone to do... and thus am in high hopes that the current momentum of my life just keeps going right on UP!  Please cross your fingers for me, would you? :)  

But so what I have to say is this: A year like this could never have happened without the help of the universe... and some of the special people within it.

I extend my thanks to...

Under-Rock Discoveries

Do you ever stop learning about yourself, I wonder?  It's just funny... you'd think that after 29 years on the planet, you'd know yourself pretty well - yet somehow I make new discoveries about myself all the time.  I wonder if that's me?  Or if that's everyone?

I've never loved beaching [probably due to having a complexion that gets burned if the sun just winks at me] - but I do love wandering along shores and collecting pretty rocks.  Always have; every family vacation to Michigan or Wisconsin has resulted in a new pile of Holly-rocks that found their way home with me.  A land version of Ariel, you might almost say - I delighted especially in finding ones that seemed shimmering or sparkly... ones that had a ring around them (- those you can make a wish on, you know)... or ones that are interestingly shaped, good for skipping, etc.

The thing about picking up rocks on a beach is that when you turn them over, you never know what you'll find underneath.  

Letting Go of the Things that Aren't You

Here's a thought: 

A really hard, really sad decision could be part of following one's bliss.  I never thought of bliss-following that way before; I always thought bliss-following was only happening during those times in which we see a crazy, huge, positive opportunity before us - and though it scares us, we jump at the opportunity.  I guess I thought bliss-following required the word "yes."  

"Yes, I will pursue this crazy idea of a career - even though I'm not sure I can make a living from it - because I'd be doing what I love."  "Yes, I will make time for this seemingly-silly hobby in my life because it makes me happy."  "Yes I will give my heart to this person - even though it's scary - because it feels like the right thing to do."  "Yes, I will go on this trip - even though it will be hard for me to afford - because my inner soul is pulling me towards it."  - Those things I know are bliss-following.

But maybe saying "No" is bliss-following sometimes, too.