December 31, 2010

December 31, 2010

As I write this, the family is asleep, except for my son who is playing paintball. Scout is sitting on my lap while I enjoy the last cup of morning coffee and piece of orange scone of 2010. I reflect on the year that’s just passed—can it be that it has passed already?

Today we have no plans to do much of anything, except play games this evening after dinner, so I’m enjoying this still moment to reflect and appreciate the old while looking forward to the new.

My word of the year for 2010 was “open,” and though I don’t feel like I fully embraced and incorporated it, as I look back I see areas where the door has been left ajar instead of being firmly closed and bolted. For example, I entered a contest to blog at the World Equestrian Games, which required me to step outside my comfort zone with a video entry. I took a couple of online art classes, and my first writing business trip. I also began natural horsemanship training with Tank, which most assuredly requires openness to new ideas. I plan to choose a new word for 2011 (so far “possibility” is a top contender) and to increase its effectiveness, I plan to check in with myself every month to see how I’m doing. (If you want to know more about choosing a word of the year, see Christine Kane’s blog and download the free word of the year worksheet.)

How was your 2010? What was most memorable about it? What would you like to be different in 2011? The same?


Happy New Year, dear friends! Hope 2011 is the best ever.

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8 comments

  1. As a child growing up in Zimbabwe I went for horseriding lessons and my steed was also called Tank!
    This and many other online and offline "coincidences" along with the drawing to a close of this year has made me realise that I am where I need to be.
    The questions you pose are the ones I resolved to myself (not even an hour ago!!) to answer through the coming days, weeks and, if necessary, months!

    Happy 2011 to you and yours!

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  2. Happy New Year, KJ!

    My 2010 was a year of quiet growth with a bit of struggle thrown in for good measure. I'd say most memorable was an awesome trip to NOLA. 2011 Is going to be a "rocket" year (to the moon, baby! AND beyond!), even if it means losing a little skin along the way. As for different....I could do with a little more painting, a little more sanity and a little less struggle.

    I look forward to seeing where the year takes us!

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  3. Possum--what a coincidence! I hope your Tank was as sweet as mine is. Good luck with resolving your questions--I wish you a very sucessful and happy 2011!

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  4. Laure--Happy New Year to you, too. Here's hoping 2011 is full of joy and accomplishment for us both!

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  5. It can be really hard to step outside comfort zones! I need to be better about that in a variety of ways! I hope you have a great New Year and Best Wishes in 2011!

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  6. Happy New Year, Kathy! Love the photo of you and Tank. You're so lucky to have your own horse. Sounds like you lived up to your word...stepping out of the comfort zones requires and open mind. I did a little of that and a lot of painting and photographing this year. My word for 2011 is More...more of what I started in 2010. All the best to you in 2011!

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  7. Danielle--Yes, it can be hard to step outside comfort zones, but I'm usually glad when I manage it. It helps to have friends to push and support during the process. Happy New Year to you!

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  8. Kelly--I know I'm lucky to have Tank--he's the culmination of a life-long dream. How many people get to say that? by the way, congratulations on completing the 100 paintings! And I think "more" is a fantastic word for you--I look forward to seeing "more" of your paintings and photos! Happy New Year to you and your family.

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