Prompt: Write a letter to the 2012 you. Reflect on lessons learned in 2012 and how you will apply your new knowledge to 2013.
Journal Entry #1
Dear Ann,
Lessons learned. Where shall we begin? I think 2012 taught you more than the previous 10 years put together. You made some decisions that were pretty drastic. You somehow found the nerve to take a chance and change careers. You left a beloved job that was more like a ministry than it was work. In doing so you learned a lot about yourself.
You found out that you were still young enough to put in long days. You discovered a discipline that you didn’t know you had and realized that at the end of the day, the only person you could count on was yourself. You, many times, surprised yourself with what you could figure out on your own. You can also be proud of yourself for knowing when to ask for advice and assistance. Asking for help isn’t easy but you learned that it’s not a sign of failure. It’s a survival mechanism.
One of the hardest lessons learned last year was how to deal with your aging parents. You discovered that you were really very patient…which was quite a surprise. You definitely figured out how to keep your mouth shut and keep your opinions to yourself. You found that you had pretty thick skin (shocker) and could brush off those thoughtless, sometimes hurtful comments made in frustration. 2012 was like a crystal ball showing you what the future would bring, along with the dawning realization that someday you might have a life much like theirs.
2012 found you trying to be somewhat frugal. At times those Etsy paychecks were mighty slim. You quickly learned what were willing compromises…and what were deal-breakers. You didn’t even realize you were compromising until it sunk in that you were more interested in the selection of sweat pants at Walmart than the new arrivals at Talbot’s. You found out that you really don’t need that expensive hair spray and that Pantene works perfectly fine. (Talk about an AHA moment.) You thought long and hard about giving up that monthly massage appointment. In the end, that turned out to be one of those deal-breakers. Some things in life are just necessary.
The end of 2012 tried your patience. Long standing family traditions were thrown to the wind and new ones were made. For a family that thrives on routine, this was a challenge. Thanksgiving and Christmas will never be the same…but you realized that different isn’t all that bad. You finally understood the phrase “life happens.”
Everything you went through in 2012 has led you to where you are today…with thoughts of stepping outside a very small comfort zone. Time will tell if that really happens. The fact that you’re even thinking about it is astounding.
Keep thinking. Keep trying. Keep the faith.
Regards,
Ann
I think that is an awesome idea Ann. You did learn a lot last year and have grown stronger for it. It is nice to see this written down to keep things in perspective for this year. Blessings! Pamela
Great insight, Ann! Thanks for sharing your heart! :)
Ah, Ann what a great letter. I so admire you!
Ann…thanks for allowing us to see through a little window into your life! And thanks for the support that you have given, in so many ways, through this journal entry, even though you may not realize that you have indeed given support! God bless!
You are amazing and encouraging! I loved this letter to you. What a wonderful year you’ve had, full of change. However, you’ve seen it with a glass half full and have embraced it. I look forward to seeing you prosper in 2013!
I want to be like you because you’ve always inspired me!
Have a great weekend,
Andrea
Ann that is a beautiful letter to yourself. I am so happy for you. Happy 2013 to you dear lady!
What a great idea. It was nice for us to read, but even more so for you to have as you know the full meaning of each word. I’m sure you will treasure reading this at the end of 2013 as and even greater reminder of where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. I hope 2013 is a WONDERFUL year for you!
Blessings Ann!
Cindy
Wow Ann! What a wonderful letter-thanks for sharing your journey with us. I might have to try my own!
Ann, what a great post. I sure enjoyed reading it. I has several of the same changes you had over 2012. I started extreme couponing to support our ever growing family. (Adopting and we seem to be the home teen age kids gather at, dine at, and sleep at) Wouldn’t give up any of the day spent cooking and cleaning for them. We are currently moving our business and I will be out of a job. I lost my beloved GPa and decided to set the wheels in motion to take care of my parents as they get older.
I can’t wait to see God has for you in 2013. Prayers and Blessings going your way!
What a wonderful letter Ann! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your words are beautiful and thoughtful – just like you!
Dear Ann, a letter to a bloggy friend…I appreciate your friendship and how you share with us all. Wishing you a new year filled with only good things. Hugs
Love the letter and the thoughts. I can certainly relate to your change in priorities. I’m always proud when I can step out of my comfort zone and find out that yes, different isn’t terrible…in fact, sometimes it’s good!
So much to think about. 2013 looks to be the year of job change and life change. Total reevaluation of priorities. Wishes for a great 2013.
That was really nice, Ann. A very intimate report on your year, I don’t know if I would have the courage to do that.
Hugs, Cindy
It’s good to look back……..and then head straight ahead!
You sure have a way with words, ma’am. That is an incredible letter to oneself.
You have the fortitude to have this all work well for you. Keep up the good work, Ann!
I LOVED this. How comforting and inspiring and honest! Thank you so much for sharing. :)
I love your honesty, Ann. I have dabbled in journaling and after reading your post about the once a week prompts from Folk, I thought that to be very doable. There will be some lifestyle changes in the coming year so I think it will be helpful. I enjoyed your post very much. Thanks.
What a great letter, Ann. You’ve learned a lot in 2012. I did, too. Congrats.
As my former eighth graders would say,”OMG!” I know you did a lot of soul searching as you wrote this letter to yourself, and I admire you for your endeavor and for sharing your words with the blog world. Many years ago, while doing the sorority thing, l learned a great saying: “Nothing great is ever achieved without much endurance.” Wishes for continuous successes going your way.
I really like this idea Ann. I really need to do this. It sounds like this was a growing up year for you. I know we all think we are grown up already, but I find with each new decade we do a little more growing up along the way. You learned some valuable and hard lessons in 2012, but it look to me like it is all good and you are moving forward with a passion and that is a very good thing. Much success in 2013 to YOU!
xo Kathysue
beautiful, Ann. Here’s to keeping the faith!
Ann, I loved reading this post… In life, you need to take chances and you definitely took chances and they turned out to be a success and you learned from mistakes. In some ways, I took a big change stepping out if the corporate world and starting a small soy candle business. Although it was scary for me, I am so glad that I made the change. The other big step in my life is moving away from my family in PA and moving to coastal SC and having to adapt. I do love it though, however there are times that I really do miss my friends and family up in PA.
By the way, I am so glad that I discovered your blog and etsy shop as I have some of your products which I just love.
Kelly
Great idea and letter Ann! I can relate to several of those talking points…it’s as if you peeked in on my life. Great life lessons! ;)
Beautiful letter, Ann, and straight from the heart. I know we all have trying times but it’s how we handle them that makes the difference. Wishing you a wonderful new year!
xo
Ann, this was a great letter to yourself. You gave yourself praise, a little criticism and a lot of understanding. You did your best.
I could write a similar letter to myself in that I walked away from a job I loved but was necessary as I wouldn’t compromise my integrity I worked so hard for all my life…of course, that meant my “play” money was gone and I had to be totally dependent on my husband…but he has supported me 110% .
I, too, have been dealing with an aging parent for the last 3 years which meant making the hard decision to put her in assisted living and becoming her “parent”..it’s a hard road sometimes but I also have come to the realization that “one day” it could be me.
You have been a great inspiration to me so just know you are doing something right. May 2013 be a wonderful year for you Ann!
Ann, I think you have handled life’s twists and turns with wisdom and self confidence. You seem to be on the right track in your family life as well as your business life. Continued good luck in all your endeavors! It is a pleasure to call you friend!! Shannon
Ann….you are such an inspiration….keep on track with your hopes and dreams ….. in the words of Emerson…”hitch your wagon to a star”….Thank you for the letter…it was just wonderful!
Ann, thank you for this post! What an inspiration! i feel like you were writing my lessons for 2012. Your words really touched me. I wish you all the best in this new year! Much more to learn in 2013.
Ann…what an great letter you wrote to yourself…so inspirational.
Best Wishes in all your endeavors in this new year.
hugs,
Cindy
That’s great, Ann. We are never too old to grow & learn I guess. Wishing you all the best in 2013!
Thanks Ann ! It made me think about my year and all that I have learned….good and bad. Best wishes for 2013
Thanks for sharing!
Ann, I fully understand your walk through 2012. At the time, it’s difficult to know if you/I said or did the right thing. Aging parents want things to be the way they’ve always been…and so do most of us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us…it reassures me that things do work out over time. I feel that I know you better today for having read this.
Thanks,
Helen
I enjoyed this Ann! And I’m so happy to be following along for 2013!
I loved reading your letter, Ann, and actually read it a few times. :-) It’s so nice to learn a little more about you and I love that you shared this. What a year you have had and yet you seem to have handled everything wonderfully. I wish you all the best this next year!
Wow Ann! I’ve missed so much. Came by to check on my friend and found out you made some changes this past year. Loved this letter. You are indeed a very strong and remarkable woman. I admire you. I hope this year brings you much happiness and success!
I truly love you Ann! I wasn’t going to do this, but now I think I will. Our journals would be pretty close…2012 was definitely a pivotal year. 2013 is going to be amazing!
What a beautiful post, Ann! Thanks so much for sharing with us all …
:) Linda