Reflecting on 2011

posted 20th December 2011    Written by: Ashley    CATEGORY: All Posts, Ashley, Job/Career/Work, Life Lesson, Love/Relationships, Money, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 5, What I've Learned

With 2011 quickly winding down, I am in full-on reflection mode. I love this time of year. Reviewing my progress and seeing where I’ve been, what I’ve overcome, and what I’ve had the joy of celebrating. As with any year, there were highs and lows and countless lessons learned.

This year I have learned that I am capable so much more than I thought. I have spent a few evenings with tears running down my face, but many more days with a bright smile and laughter echoing from inside.

In the past 12 months I have moved twice and found a new home in each apartment. I have visited my boyfriend three times and have another visit planned for next week! I took a road trip to Florida with my girl friends, brought in the year in San Francisco with a group of my favorite bloggers, and also squeezed in a trip to Boston.

This is the year I decided to run a half-marathon and began training, the year I re-discovered my love for yoga, and the year I created healthy habits. This is the year I chose to focus on eating more whole foods and less processed junk. This is the year I learned what it feels like to be centered and to be kind to myself.

This year I have learned to say no to things I don’t want to do and embrace what makes me happy. I began reading more books, spending more time outside, and relishing my Friday nights in the comfort of my own apartment. I learned to listen to that oh-so-important inner guide who lights the way for me and dismiss the nagging voice of my critic.

This year I have fallen deeper in love. I have learned what a stable, healthy, honest, and loving relationship feels like. I have learned to trust, to open myself up, and to talk through my thoughts and feelings. I have learned to feel safe and confident, not living in constant relationship anxiety.

This year I have joined the most amazing, supportive, and encouraging group of women as a blogger here at Stratejoy. I have been blessed by my friendship with Molly, the rest of the season 5 bloggers, the tribe, and you. I have never felt so understood, and loved.

This year I returned to therapy, sifted through my baggage, and left feeling lighter. Thanks to Molly and her magical PYOT group, this year I have learned to set boundaries. I have learned to protect what is mine, to draw the line in the sand, and to speak my mind even when I know other’s don’t agree. I have learned that I often crave and seek approval and validation, but I don’t need it. I have learned to listen to my heart in spite of what others have told me. This year I have learned to trust myself.

 

 

[photo credit: WTL photos]

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Comments (5)

5 Responses to “Reflecting on 2011”

  • KristenCF Says:
    December 20th, 2011 at 9:06 am

    This was so precious and amazing Ashley. I'm so so happy for all that you've accomplished and discovered over the past year- can't wait to see what's next for you girl :)

  • Linda Says:
    December 20th, 2011 at 11:45 am

    I'm very proud of you and am honored to be able to witness these amazing changes. You're an inspiration!

  • Jaime Says:
    December 20th, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    You have this great list of realizations there at the end. I hope I can get there, some day.

  • Becky Says:
    December 21st, 2011 at 6:31 am

    Love this post! Love love love love!

  • suki Says:
    December 23rd, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    An amazing year! :)

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