Here we are again - the end of another year. They say time goes by faster and faster the older you get and lemme tell ya, I believe it! How can 2011 already be coming to an end? It's been one hell of a year, filled with lots of ups and downs. Truth be told, it's been one of the harder ones for me. I feel like I've learned a lot about myself this past year and have really changed what my goals and aspirations are. For once I am saying that although there have been many great experiences, I am not sad to say goodbye to 2011. But every year I like to take a look back and this year is no different. You can take a look at my previous end-of-the year recaps too if you like: 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.
One year ago today, I was on a plane headed to Haiti for the second time. I can't believe I have been lucky enough to experience something like that twice in such a short time span. It was an extreme eye-opening experience and I can honestly say I am still processing it now. I still struggle with the fact that you can't help everyone. When you realize how many people out there who are worse off than you, it feels overwhelming. The sad part is, that I have yet to really do anything with what I have to help the people I can. While in Haiti, I welcomed 2011 and spent the first five days of it, on the side of a mountain in the small village of Prosper, with the most joyful people I have ever met. At the end of the month, I welcomed a niece, Isabella. There is something so special about being an aunt and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
In February, I celebrated the 2nd birthday of Paisley Card Co. It's hard to believe that almost three years ago I started this little adventure while still in college as a hobby and way to earn some extra cash. I am ready to really take control of my business and see where it goes. I know 2012 is going to be a good year for both of us.
The month of March brought my 25th birthday. I can't believe that I'm a quarter of a century old (and only for a few more months!). I mean really, that's halfway through my twenties. This next year I'll be on the other side - ya know, the one that's closer to 30!!
In April, I woke up super early to watch the wedding of the year century. Thank you sweet Kate for showing brides everywhere that lace and sleeves really are the way to do it and their are other options than strapless!!
In May, I resigned from my paralegal job which turned out to be more of a blessing than I had even anticipated. I also had the honor of hosting a baby shower for one of my best friends, Jenny. I can't believe her baby boy is already 4 months old and I haven't even formally met him yet! Skype will just have to do for now!
June was a super exciting and game changing month. On the first, I packed up my belongings and my sweet little pup and headed back (after 19 years) to Nashville (Mount Juliet), Tennessee. It's been a great 7 months so far and a huge learning experience. I've learned more about myself these past months than I have in years. My aunt and I launched an event planning company, The Southern Bees. We are already beginning preparations for the 2012 wedding season and I am so excited to see where this journey takes us. I was able to attend the CMA festival for the first time - and in style I might add. I will never turn down an opportunity to have a private suite. It was so much fun.
By August, I was ready to make a few changes to how I blog and decided that instead of trying to follow all of the tips for a successful blog, I would just stay true to myself and do things how I wanted. I'm so glad that I did because it simplified things and made blogging for business purposes just as fun as blogging for myself.
I'm a list maker so in September I decided to give myself 6 months to complete a list of 26 tasks before my 26th birthday. Some are serious and some silly but I find it's easier to follow through with things when you write them down (and share them publicly). Only 3 months left to complete everything! Can I do it? :) The Southern Bees also competed in an Ultimate Host challenge, and although we did not win, we put together a great fall tablescape inspiration.
October, always a fun month, lived up to it's expectations. I watched scary movies, painted pumpkins, and went on a mini vaca to Florida. In November, I got super ambitious and thought I could come up with 465 different things I was thankful for and while I didn't quite get to that I did take time to reflect on my blessings. I saw Wicked downtown and it was fabulous. I loved every minute of the show. Everyone was so talented! I traveled to Ohio to see my good friends Haley and Brock and celebrate their daughter, Avery's 1st birthday. It was such a special time and I'm so happy I was able to be there! I enjoyed decorating my humble apartment for Christmas and am sad that it's all already down (but super proud I got it down before New Years!).
December has practically been a blur! Lots of decorating, packing, traveling, etc. but all have been so much fun. I had so much fun designing 12 days of Christmas freebies, they ended on the December 12th - which just happened to be the 2nd anniversary of this blog, Road Called Life and more importantly the birth of my newest niece, Evelyn Joy. I traveled back to back weekends (to Gatlinburg, TN for the Creekmur Christmas, Ohio for the Morrison Christmas) to celebrate with family and had a wonderful, crazy-busy time.
I ended last year's recap post with this sentence, but I feel that it has even more meaning to me now. Dream big - and always remember - It will never happen if you never try. I have so many big dreams. So many things I want to do, to accomplish, places to go - I constantly am daydreaming about the future, but I struggle with having the confidence to believe I can achieve everything I want. Well, this year I am through with that and I know I will succeed. Maybe not at first, but eventually - but if I don't try it will never happen. So that is my word for 2012 - Confidence. I'll be back on New Years Day to share more about that and the goals I have for the new year - for myself and my business.
I hope you all have had a wonderful year - and if not - tomorrow is always a new day and a fresh start. We're here for such a short time - enjoy it, enjoy each other, and most importantly do something big with your life.
I'm very inspired by you and am also pleased that the one word you picked for 2012 is confidence! This is something we all could use a little more of.
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