2012: In My Own Words

2012 imageTomorrow I will be sharing the top ten posts I published in 2012. It’s based upon what readers liked the most of my writing effort in 2012. Today, though, I share my own review of 2012; the posts that help me recall funny times, poignant moments, wonderful life lessons, and more. Maybe not the most popular based upon page views or ones commented on the most, but pieces that are shining brightly for me as  I look back on 2012.

Enjoy.

In 2012 I set unrealistic standards for the kids, admitted to teaching them bad words at a young age, and shared how I abuse my children. Fortunately, no one reported me to Child Protective Services (yet). Even though I am a horrible mother, the kids seem to be turning out okay. They often teach and remind me of great lessons, including remembering to dream big.

After making many excuses for dropping out of multi-sport racing (divorce, finding balance as a single mom, going back to school for photography, launching a business, etc), a poignant story made me realize at some point I had to stop making excuses. I had to set a priority to reach for this goal again. Single Me struggled with comparing herself to Married Me though. I was worried I would complete my first triathlon in 15 months, and be frustrated with my results. Instead, I was kind to myself, celebrating the accomplishment Single Me made last September.

I stood tall on my soapbox a few times last year, too. There were a few rants published opining on marriage equality, giving advice to President Obama regarding state secession, and calling for the olympics to be canceled. Somehow I still have a few readers left.

I learned a lot from a break up last year; the biggest lesson what that love is never enough for a successful relationship. That break up somehow led to me deciding serial dating was a brilliant idea. In the throes of that experiment, I acquiesced to a blind date with a guy a friend of mine had wanted to set me up with for a year. It wasn’t perfect timing since I was in full serial dating mode, but the guy was tenacious. He even heard the woman who wrote often about never marrying, and the advantages of being single to gleefully say yes to his marriage proposal.

Through the tears I experienced last year, I never forgot there is always a ray of sunshine if you look close enough. And I kept focused on the opportunity I have to make positive, exciting changes in my life, regardless of age. That kept me energized as I entered 2012 and will carry into the new year.

Looking back at the events in my life in 2012, and all the words I wrote here, I can sum up the entire year with two simple words:

Lucky Me.


Comments

14 responses to “2012: In My Own Words”

  1. Luck all-the-rest-of-us for finding your blog, The Studio, and becoming your friend! Thanks for sharing, I look forward to whatever 2013 brings!

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thank you! I am happy you are a reader, friend, and fellow S30P member. I can’t wait to see how life unfolds for you this year, Sean.

  2. What a terrific retrospect on your year, Kelly. I know I’ve enjoyed your posts and writing. Here’s to a New one, 2013 :)

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thank you, Lisa! I enjoyed a different approach to sharing links to old writing. It was fun to compile. I hope you have a wonderful year as well.

  3. Love this. You had such an amazing year of life lessons in 2012; I’m excited to see all that 2013 brings your way :) Happy New Year, Kelly! XOXO

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thank you, Charlotte! I think a lot of wonderful things will be coming your way as well.

  4. Fast and fun summary… busy year for you!

    Congrats again on the big news, looking forward to reading all about it!

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thanks, Brahm! It was an event-filled year.

  5. So glad you’ve had such a wonderful year. No one deserves it more. And I’m glad I’m along for the ride…

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      You deserve it too, Kimberly. I can’t wait to see how 2013 unfolds for you.

  6. You had quite a year, didn’t you? :) I hope 2013 will see much more growth and prosperity.

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thank you, Tomekha!

  7. 2012 was quite a year! I hope 2013 is even better. Congrats on your impending nuptials. I did read about it earlier this year but didn’t leave a comment. I’ll look forward to spending more time here in the coming year! Cheers!

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thank you for the kind words, Steph! I hope you have a wonderful year as well.