&: 2013 - Some Perspective

- downside up -

I was going to sit down and plan this post out... you know, rehearse and edit a smidge before I deemed it ready to go... but it's drawing close to the time we trek down the road to our friends/neighbors to snack and play and struggle to stay up until midnight... so there is just this.

I have been away from this space for some time now. I haven't even been reading the blogs I "follow"... but in the meantime, a lot has happened - some externally, some internally. I'll attempt to sum up here.

In 2013, I let go of...

a fear of not trying hard enough. At least in some respects. I think I had an idea that it wasn't right to give up on a job, that I needed to know what the next step would be before I could move on. But... I quit. I allowed myself to think I had given it all I had and still wasn't happy with it. And, thanks to a slew of gracious and good-natured family and friends, I did not become homeless and I didn't starve. Odd jobs popped up left and right, which lead into a nannying stint for two months, which brings us to...

I learned... (bullets behoove us here)

not to trust a toddler when they say they're potty-trained "enough" to use the toilet on their own
how to walk away when a child is crying instead of napping (I'm not evil... I just learned the hard way the fine line between actual need and manipulation)
that the job search process is grueling, and long, and ridiculous, and long... and I had it good
toddlers say the funniest things
I really do like the healthcare field
that I have the most peace when I let go of the reins... or the handlebars... or the helm; choose your metaphor
I really like my sweets mixed with spices - chai, for example, or salt with chocolate... or chilies with chocolate
to be more comfortable with "30"... and with myself

I loved...

the appreciation of little people. I was the bearer of food and hilarity and comfort, and I was appreciated for it. Such a simple exchange, and overall, a fun one
seeing my family come together in hard times
renewing my love for reading
being more aware of what matters most
witnessing the love of friends getting married
new connections and friends

I'm looking forward to a new calendar year, bringing with me the perspectives and experience gained thus far.

Best wishes to you all for a wonderful 2014.