Man, are there blog posts coming out of the woodwork this week or WHAT??? Everyone who blogs has moments (or weeks… months…) when they have trouble coming up with words and ideas for posts, but when it comes to that time of year when you have to go out and buy a new calendar, the words start flowing like a tsunami.

Like you, I’ve been reading some of those posts and the lists of goals people are making and reflections they’re enjoying of the past 12 months. Some are sweet, some make me roll my eyes… and I wasn’t really planning to write anything myself, but then I saw a couple of really creative ideas that made me change my mind. They kind of go together, even though one was a photo and the other a blog post, and they’re from two different friends.

The first was a blog post by my friend Paige at her blog, Approaching Joy. She wrote about looking back instead of looking forward… of recognizing things that came her way in 2013 that she’s proud of. I’m definitely a fan of tooting one’s own horn. Not to the point of hubris, mind you… prideful crowing about things you’re doing well, or that you feel fortunate to have in your life, can be off-putting to other people… and I firmly believe that it can also put a kink in your soul and mess with your karma. Instead, I believe that reminding yourself of your own achievements. Quiet confidence is the key. When you are confident in yourself and do your best in all things, you don’t have to say anything – others will speak highly of you on your behalf.

In 2013, a lot of changes were swirling around in my life. It was a huge year for emotional ups and downs. On the down side, my father-in-law died of lung cancer, my sister (and best friend) moved to Oregon, I left a job I loved, I had to find a new home for my sweet chickens, and I shut down my vintage flea market booth business. But with all of that negativity, the year definitely ended on a steep incline. Here are some of the things that stand out to me as highlights of my year:

• My oldest daughter moved into her own apartment. This was huge for her, obviously, but also something I worked hard to support her in and feel I hold some share of the accomplishment of.
• I spent a week with my sister as we moved her to Oregon. It was a stressful few days on the road, but a great time together moving her into her first new home and career promotion since our mom died. It was a huge decision for her to go, and I was so proud to be a part of helping her get there.
• I successfully transitioned into a freelance writing business (with the help of some great friends! – see my note about letting others speak for you above…)
• My daughter was a top graduate in her Army basic training and AIT classes. It was a proud moment for me to watch her graduate on the same field that I graduated on in 1990. It also dredged up a lot of negative emotions, as I was forced to leave the military due to my first husband’s intolerance of my duties in the service. But I have to choose to focus on the pride I feel in my daughter. I don’t have much tolerance for negativity.
• I spent time cultivating my friendships with creatives in my life and reignited my passion for making art and crafts.
• I made some new friends here in Northwest Arkansas that have become mentors and business partners and have inspired me in my work and family life. I’ve never had a lot of girlfriends outside of whatever office I worked in, but now that I’m working at home it’s important to me to make sure that my life is balanced – that I have women in my life who I respect and who can keep me balanced.
• I was able to look at the varied hobbies in my life (I collect hobbies like other people collect art, or shoes…) and make some rational decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. When I was able to let go of some of that, it was incredibly freeing on other levels as well.
• My Junque Rethunque brand really got some traction and great word-of-mouth referrals. Although the booth is history, the Etsy shop and craft and junk show applications will be growing in 2014.
• I celebrated ten years since I met my sweet husband. He was in Colorado at the time, and we “dated” online for only a few months until each of us knew the other was The One. We have endured a crazy decade, but it’s been worth it – and I’ve informed him he’s stuck with me for the long haul.
• I helped make my sister’s wedding day the day she dreamed of. This was not only a lot of fun for me, but it was a gift I gave to my mom. She wasn’t physically in attendance, but helping make that day special, just as she would have done if she were here, helped me settle some turmoil I still had that was a result of my mom’s death.

You may have noticed that a lot of these things – most, actually – are about other people. I really am trying to think of things that I accomplished that are all about me, but I just don’t think that’s the way my mind works. I enjoy spending time working in support of other people. It makes my soul so happy to see someone I have encouraged or offered advice to be successful. Whether it’s my family or friends or complete strangers, that work is my unpaid, but incredibly satisfying, contribution to my time spent on the planet.

So, that’s the look back – now, moving forward. Another friend of mine posted a photo on Facebook today of a decorative tin that she’d written “Good Things That Happened in 2014”. She did the same thing last year, and has a little pile of notes that she wrote and put in the 2013 tin throughout the year to look through now. I love the idea of making it an intentional effort to make notes and keep them all year. I think it would be a good project for families, and to encourage kids to do. On New Year’s Eve (or January 1st) the container gets opened up and you spend some good time reflecting on the things that were important and uplifting enough to write down.

In coming weeks I’ll be putting together a container to put good things into, and organizing some spaces in my home to help me be successful in my writing career and creative hobbies. I’ll share more about the results of those activities as they are completed.

What are you reflecting on or looking forward to this week?