2012 is almost over, (thank everything) so let’s talk. What did we learn this year? What did YOU learn in 2012? Is there anything you’d like to do-over in 2013? My list is huge, but I guess every year we live and learn and try again to do it bigger, and better, and kinder than the year before.
2012 was a rough year for me. I tried hard to make it a healthy one, but you know. Some years Stupid Lupus wins, and this was one of them. There were some amazing parts to the year though, and man did I learn a few things (or three) so let’s recap:
In January I felt peppy with the new year and made a promise to live every day like I mean it. I highly recommend doing this for 2013. Make a list of random things that make you happy and check them off like a to-do list. Life, elevated.
In February I remembered that even though my husband is the patron-saint-of–Valentine’s-Day-hatred, he’s still my very favorite person to wake up with every single day.
In March I thought to myself I was doing okay as a parent teaching my kids to be independent, but that was before the dreaded Junior High, so I’m not sure I’m still winning at life. I’m still grateful my kids wear whatever makes them happy, even if it means wearing a full baseball uniform (including cleats) on a random Tuesday *ahem*, baby boy.
What did April bring? I told my children no matter what happens in their future lives as grown adults (sob) I want them to be happy. If that means being a professional clown and a tax auditor, who cares, I want my children to be whatever they want to be.
April bore manna from heaven in the form of a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Costa Rica. Did I have a good time? I found myself again, surrounded by the most important people in my life.
Bonus points for learning how to get up on a board by a surfing instructor named ‘Pollo’ in 85 degree Costa Rican waters.
At the end of the school year I reflected the difference teachers made in my life as a kid, and the difference the teachers in my children’s lives have made already. Big, huge, FAT deal. Teachers are the future.
Early May brought a trip to Hawaii I’ve only ever dreamed about complete with a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, a place more magical than Disney. Dudes in grass skirts climbing trees for coconuts and a night show with fire eating Polynesian dancers? Yep. Double bonus points for a surf instructor from the Hans Hedemann surf school whose name I can’t remember (a super cute Samoan guy via Georgia with a southern accent. the ladies were chumming the waters like sharks) who helped me fulfill my lifelong dream of surfing in Hawaii. I can’t even talk about snorkeling with sea turtles, it was a spiritual experience. A bunch of Life-List items checked off the list right there, holy moly.
June was a time for contemplation of who I am and what made me this way, complete with some thoughts about the happy summers of my youth. Hint: I loved to travel even then.
July, my favorite month of the entire year did not disappoint. Hot air balloons, parades, shaved ice, hot summer days with burning pavement and refreshing swimming pools, 4th of July fireworks, nighttime rodeos. It just doesn’t get any better.
In August I traveled to NYC to throw my annual primp-pamper-adore-bloggers party, SocialLuxe Lounge. It was an ooh-wee-quite-the-part-eee-in-NYC. I’m so grateful it’s over, but man do we throw a fun party. And there ain’t no city like a New York City, ’cause a New York City don’t stop.
September is the hardest month of the year, not just because I turned another year older, but I have to send my babies back to school after a summer-long love fest. (yes, I’m that mom)
Did you have a beautiful Fall? I most decidedly did not. It was filled with a 2-month-long migraine, interrupted only by trips to the Emergency room and a myriad of doctors. But in the midst of it all, something beautiful happened. I reached out for help, and it came in droves. People really are wonderful, especially girlfriends. Finding my tribe, and letting them into my life, (even the vulnerable parts) is the best gift I’ve given myself all year.
And finally, it’s December. The month we hold our loved ones a little closer, in remembrance of the year before and how we can all do a better, kinder job with one another in the year to come. We celebrate big on Christmas Eve with all the Polish traditions we can fit into one night before we call it a year on New Year’s Eve.
2012 was okay. It’s done, and it taught me to be a gentler, kinder, more sincere citizen of the world. Can we all go into the year 2013 a more tolerant, loving, open-minded and open-hearted people? I know you all did in 2012 and I think together we can do it again next year, because you make my world a better place to be.
Thank you. For being here, for loving, for being wonderful and kind and true human beings. I love you for it.
I’m so excited to be partnering again with Hallmark in 2012 as part of their “Life Is a Special Occasion” campaign. As always all stories, opinions, and naughty children are nothing but my own.
Allison
Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!
I’ve learned that you can’t try and change anyone but too much; even yourself! You have attributes both positive and negative that make you you, and the best you can do is try to work with them, or even better; make them an asset instead of a liability. :P
I think that the world is going to try and be more open-minded and caring in 2013, or at least we can only hope, eh? x3