I can easily say this was the best year of my life so far. It’s kind of funny, because I used to judge how good my year was by how many places I traveled to. Take for instance the insanity that was 2008. I spent the beginning of the year in China, the middle of the year driving and flying from the West Coast to the East Coast and back, and the end of the year in Central America.
In 2013, I didn’t even leave Texas. And it was beautiful.
It started with a “wishing tree” at our dear friend’s New Years Party. Two of us girls wished for marriage that year, one wished for a new baby. All three of us got what we wished for and more.
The beginning of the year was a blur. Not a lot happened. By spring and early summer it was complete chaos.
A quick engagement after collecting puzzle pieces with lyrics to one of our songs, and the last one said, “Will You Marry Me?”
Planning a wedding on a tight budget. Somehow, against all odds, everything coming together. I still can’t believe we pulled it off.
Marriage. July 27th was an absolute perfect day, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Our honeymoon was a road trip around Texas. I never would have imagined that being what I wanted for a honeymoon, but it was relaxing and everything we needed.
This year I got to attend more epic concerts than my whole life combined.
Jewel. (Whom I have loved since I first heard You Were Meant For Me when I was 12.)
Sigur Ros.
Mumford & Sons.
One Republic.
Sara Barielles.
Johnny Rzeznik. (Of the Goo Goo Dolls)
Thirty Seconds To Mars.
I had so many good times with my husband. Memorable dates to a safari park, a scavenger hunt at a ranch, and just cuddling while watching Doctor Who and How I Met Your Mother.
We had a bit of a stressful time in the fall, with me changing jobs to a high-stress (but fun) position, trying to move out of our apartment after only being together there for 2 months, and both our cars dying within a few days. But, it was an adventure as always, and the end of the year things began to slow down a bit.
Then I found out I was pregnant.
We were both so overjoyed and slightly overwhelmed but more happy than anything.
Yes, it’s been a lot to “process,” but I am not so worried about processing anymore.
I am too busy living.
As busy and beautiful as this year has been, I know that 2014 will bring the ultimate adventure and life changing gift.
Our child.
Not to mention a million other things that are in the works. When I think about resolutions, mine are really quite simple. I realize as I write them, they stem out of my main passions and desires, dreams I have wished for for so many years that have come to pass.
1. To support and encourage my husband. To be his biggest fan.
2. To be a loving mom to the most awesome kid in the universe.
3. To continue to make writing a priority, to publish my second poetry book.
I think I want to add a fourth one, that sort of sums up all of them, and is perhaps going to be my mantra for the coming year.
4. To do all these things and more, living the life I know I am capable of, with bravery and strength.
Maybe your year wasn’t so beautiful. Maybe you can’t wait for it to be over. Maybe your year has been full of heartache and sadness, or maybe it’s just been boring and forgettable. Maybe you’ve let fear take a hold of you and it’s prevented you from being fully alive. Whatever your story, I love New Years because it’s the chance to write a new chapter.
I don’t think New Years need to be about planning on how many pounds you are going to lose, then failing after a week. It certainly doesn’t need to be condemnation and regret.
Let’s make it about hope and about new beginnings,
About embracing all the good that has happened and letting go of what needs to be let go of.
I can guess what’s going to happen, look forward to exciting things, and dread the stress of others, but in reality, 2014 is mostly a mystery.
And I kinda like it that way. 🙂
I don’t want to know
Cause life is better off a mystery
So keep on coming, these lines on the road
Keep me responsible, be it a light or heavy load
Keep me guessing, these blessings in disguise
I’ll walk with grace my feet
and faith my eyes
(Derek Webb- Faith My Eyes- My Life Song.)
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