Reflections on 2011

Wow, 2011 certainly has been an amazing year for me.  SO much has happened.  

Here are some quotes that have inspired me in 2011:

   

   

 

And here are some thoughts:

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

Moving to my dream city.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Being patient enough to wait on God to show us the right path for my husband's job.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

Finding someone to rent our house when we were not even looking for them.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

My husband not having a job for 2 months.

5. Pick three words to describe 2011.

Adventure, Amazing, Humbling

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

Fun, Exciting, Awesome

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).

Challenging, Change, Fun

8. What were the best books you read this year?

The Bible!  All the way through- for the first time ever! :-)

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

Hands down, my husband & my daughter!

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

My address!

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I have learned to stay true to myself & to not be afraid to be ME.

I have learned (I TRY really hard) to slow down, think first, react slower, and remain humble.

I learned who will be there for me no matter what, who will support me through and through, & who has my back.  

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I reflect on God's word every day.  I try to follow HIS will, not my desires.  I SEE/ I KNOW He sets my path.  

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

For the past 6 months I have walked every single day.  I am learning to take better care of myself (what I put in my mouth, on my body, & in my environment).

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

Literally being away from everyone I know (except my husband & daughter) certainly has made my relationships either deeper or weaker.  I have learned that I get what I give, but also that true love, true family, & true friends stand the test of time and distance.    

I feel that my relationship with my husband has grown stronger because we (have to) rely on each other completely.  I think we make a great team.  

It's humbling to not know a single soul (outside of your house) in the city you live in.  

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Being with my daughter for EVERY moment of her life is such a blessing.  I love watching her learn and grow.  I love knowing everything about her & providing her with endless love.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Being "on call" 24/7.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Television (for the first 1/2 of the year).  

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

LEARNING: about God, how to eat better and take care of my body, & about parenting (researching and reading about parenting styles, tips, suggestions, etc. that connect with my heart as a mom).

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

That I am strong.  That I have an amazing family.  That I am BLESSED.  That I am loved.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philipians 4:13 NIV)

Thank you to  "Incourage Me" for the inspiration for this blog & for the questions above.  http://www.incourage.me/2011/12/20-questions-for-reflecting-on-your-2011.html