How I Found Happiness in 2011

What, you say it’s the last few days of a calendar year? Must be time for a recap of those New Year’s resolutions that we all forgot about so long ago!! Let’s rewind to January when I decided “How I’ll Find Happiness in 2011” meant trying out an array of techniques while I strive to blissfully thrive:

Expressing Gratitude in January: That was accomplished via journaling, giveaways, granola making and the written word. And how can I forget running my first half marathon. Disney – we shall meet again someday…

Cultivating Optimism in February: Envisioning “Your Best Future Self” is easier with a friend. And tumbling out of crow pose can be just as invigorating as holding it for ten seconds.

Avoiding Overthinking in March: When the concept of “feed your soul” and staying present were first cultivated in myself. Also when my car troubles began which taught me to be flexible and calm when life throws you a busted tire which unfortunately became a common theme in 2011.

Practicing Acts of Kindness in April: Sharing my optimism & passion for blogging inspired quite the conversation at the April Ohio Blogging Association Meetup at Touch Supper Club– probably my favorite one of the 2011 calendar year.

Nurturing Social Relationships in May: I threw one hell of a party – check out Heather’s blog for a great Silver Spoon Awards recap.

Also, attending Fitbloggin’ turned out to be an eye opening experience for me – and now looking back on it – showed the first signs of my issues with social anxiety. I was amazed to see myself go from confident while asking a question at a panel to scared out of my mind while waiting for session to start.

Developing Strategies for Coping in June/July: This is when life got crazy. I started training for a second half marathon. I started a new job. I turned 28. I ran for pierogies. I lost my grandfather. And I found myself coping by not dealing with the stress of it all. Not very healthy for a healthy balance blogger to do…

Increasing Flow Experiences in August: Instead of distracting myself from the stress, I committed myself to my new mantra “I am present” via bike rides, long runs, a new 5K PR and plenty of fun CLE foodie events. I was one busy lady in August!!

***This is when I fell off the bandwagon of blogging about the techniques, but strangely they still found their way into their appropriate months.***

In September: It was challenging to “Savor Life’s Joys” as my issues with anxiety started to overwhelm me, but I still managed to PR the Air Force half marathon, become mayor of the Cleveland Garlic Festival, celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary with Hans and was featured in the Fall 2011 issue of West Shore Live Well:

In October: I took steps to drastically change my life and to practicing “Committing to Your Goals” in October. You didn’t realize at the time but my National Evaluate Your Life Day post was about much more than practicing more yoga & striving to better this blog with a new design and a two year blogiversary post.

In November: I can’t say that “Practicing Religion and Spirituality” were really practiced, but I found myself completely engrossed in the concept of self-awareness in November. This and my goal for authenticity lead to me writing what became my most important post of 2011: “coming clean: when anxiety and depression come back”. November also saw the beginning of a new tradition: Girls Night In with some of my favorite ladies that also happen to be some fantastic bloggers. Visit Julie’s and Jen’s page for their takes on how to hold a successful (& usually ridiculous) GNI.

In December: In “Taking Care of Your Body via Meditation & Physical Activity”, I found enjoyment in my advancing yoga practice and by reconnecting with my love for cardio by agreeing to be a 2012 Cleveland Marathon blogger. There’s no questions that you can look forward to plenty of fitness posts in the new year!

206 posts in 365 days. With ALL that – did I strive to blissfully thrive?

• Did I attempt by employing effort?
• Did I boom, grow vigorously or make steady progress?
• Did I reach a state of extreme happiness?

2011: you were very good to me but you put me through some challenging times. I tried my best to make it through them all. In my best, I found growth in the present moment. While there were some very low moments, there were some fabulous ones as well. I’d say it wasn’t easy to reach that heightened level of contentment, but in those moments where I found it, it was totally worth it. I thank you all for being part of this wild and crazy ride!

What’s in store for 2012? Looks like you have SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO! Happy New Year everyone!