Friday, December 30, 2011

A Look Back at 2011




As I'm sure you've heard many times, "wow-time flies!"  Can't believe another year is almost over.  I've been already thinking so much on how I want the new year to be, but first I think I need to look back at all the great things about 2011.  The goals I reached and the good things that happened.

First of all, I took two online classes that I had been wanting to take for a while and finally took the plunge in 2011.  In the spring I took Soul Restoration with Brave Girls Club and I'm so glad I did.  I learned a lot about myself and changed the way I also look at myself, the ways that were almost ingrained in my mind.  It made me feel better about ME.


Next, I participated in Kelly Rae Robert's Flying Lessons course as well.  Both of the classes have changed my life in many ways.  First I just felt proud that I took the leap and signed up for two things that I was only dreaming about the year before.  In Flying Lessons, I learned a lot about the business aspect of being a creative person which pushed me to try new things that I would never have done before.  Through both classes, I made some wonderful on-line friends that I can go to at virtually any time of day to talk about anything, mostly art, but really anything.

Some people might think, whoopie you took two online classes, big deal.  But they really were a big deal for me this year.  A life-changing big deal.

A few personal things that made 2011 a good year were my kidney disease going in remission.  My lupus was also affected by kidney disease a few years ago, so I went through 18 months of chemotherapy and finally this year, the doctor gave me the good news about my kidneys doing great.  What a happy relief for me.

Lastly, this summer I decided to join Weight Watchers and lost 21 pounds in three months.  A few years ago I gained 25 pounds in a month and a half due to being on a high dose of prednisone and finally, this summer I had had enough of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin.  I was on a low enough dose that I couldn't use the medication as a weight gain reason anymore.  I actually didn't think I could do it because I really love my food, but I did and what an amazing accomplishment for me.  Now, I just need to keep it off, eat healthy and get on a regular exercise routine because 40 is fast approaching!

There you have it.  Those are just a few great things about 2011 that stand out in my mind.  I have many more things to be thankful for this year, bu these are the ones that are biggies for me.  What about you?  Do you have something that happened in 2011 that you are pretty grateful for?  I'd love to hear about it.

10 comments:

  1. A beautiful, sharing post. That's a 2011 to be proud of rightfully. I cherish your friendship, even if it's "online." Here's to 2012!

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  2. Oh Jill, such wonderful things for you this year. I hear from your writing, that you spent a good deal of time doing for yourself, which we all must do. It makes us better people for the other people in our lives. Congrats on all the good news about your health, and the weight loss. Looking forward to sharing 2012 with you my friend.

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  3. Thanks, ladies. I consider both of you new friends who have added to my 2011 happiness. I look forward to meeting in person hopefully soon!

    Jill

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  4. These are all very wonderful achievements! I also took the Brave Girls Class back in January! Loved it and am thinking about taking body class this year! Happy New YEar!

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  5. Congrats on all your great achievements in 2011. May 2012 be your best year ever.

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  6. I loved reading this post. I think One of the hardest things as a creative person is putting your authentic voice "out there" I think you express that through your words and your art! Have a great 2012!

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  7. Thanks for your visit and your sweet comments. Being true to myself is something that I have been working on because growing up I never felt that I could show my true self. I'm glad you are seeing that in my words and art.

    Jill

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  8. Great post, Jill. All wonderful things that have come your way in 2011. I really love your comment, too.

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  9. 2011 was a difficult year for me, but it had so many lovely days with family and friends and painting and creating things i'm grateful for. Truth is, i still feel drained from 2011 - but this January has a positive feel to it, that makes me look forward to what the year will bring! So great to hear you're doing so much better. Keep creating - it helps so much to build positive vibes!

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  10. What a journey you've been on. So glad to hear your positivity and about your successful weight loss. I wish for you a happy and healthy 2012.

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