Well friends, it's that time of year - my birthday has come around once again. (haha - you thought I was going to say Christmas, dintcha? There's that, too!) Happy, Merry Birthday to all of us b/c you had one, too, somewhere along the way in 2011!
Today, I am 42 years old. I'm taking stock of 2011 for obvious reasons and also just looking back at what this year has represented. Much like my reflections after Quilt Market, 2011 was kinda like this for a woman of my age who is the sole proprietor of a small business which manufactures premium, eco-friendly items of an artsy nature for a multi-billion dollar industry...
- I have been grateful everyday. It's like installing a fresh battery.
- I have been thrown for many loops. And they all make me dizzy.
- I have learned new things about people and places and things. Some are good. Some are terrible. That's par for the course.
- I have invested and re-invested myself emotionally & financially. There's always more to give.
- I have worked my butt off, my fingers to the bone and my brain to a mushy pulp.
- I have made rich connections. With my customers and my customers' customers. These are like installing a fresh battery, too.
- I have felt fortunate enough to know good fortune when it comes my way.
- I have been murderously livid at things beyond my control.
- I have met many goals, which resulted in dances and jigs and hi-fives with the dogs.
- I have been moved and helped and amazed by the generosity of others.
- I have edited myself. Yes, really.
- I have been awol. Usually b/c of #5 or #8.
- I have seen beauty and creativity that has left me speechless. You are all incredible out there!
- I have figured out when not to make a mountain out of molehill, when to let things roll like water off a duck's back and when to fight the good fight.
- I have practiced deep breathing when implementing #14.
- I have co-celebrated and I have commiserated. The net of friendship can never be too big or too overvalued.
- I have used simple forms of communication: Yes. No. They work wonders. I also love "unacceptable."
- I have assessed, calculated and determined next courses of action. It's a good way to move out of stagnation. Do something, but don't do nothing.
- I have found the need to smile and wave at times.
- I have always done the right thing even when nobody was looking. There's no other way.
Does this look a lot like your list, too? We're all so unique, yet we are all so similar. The crazy, profound connectedness we all feel in this biz is no joke. It's real. It's important. It's overpowering. I'm so happy to have shared some of my 41st year with you!!
What else is on your list?
