Prompt: What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.) (Author: Molly O’Neill)
If you are unhappy with your life, it’s okay to change it. I’ve learned this bit by bit in the last 5-6 years of my life. Coming out of college, I wasn’t ready to dive into the whole 9-5 thing, so I took a little detour to intern at Walt Disney World. I met my husband there. I knew I had a good thing when I found him, so when I moved back to California and he to Georgia, we didn’t break up. Sure, having a long-distance relationship may be unconventional, but it was totally worth it in the long run. Then, when I did get into the 9-5 corporate America wheel, I discovered that I hated it. I needed to find a way out. I think I’m so anti-following rules, that being in another structured environment was just crushing my soul. So I decided that I would start my own business. And somehow, leap and the net will appear. So far, so good. I’m married to my very best friend, we purchased our first home, and I’m growing my business, bit by bit. When I first started college, I never imagined that this would be my life. But I’m so glad that it is.
Prompt: This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root)
My brother-in-law gave me a framed photo of my parents, my in-laws, and my husband and I, two days before our wedding in San Francisco. It was a photo that I had forgotten about, but brings back some wonderful memories. I think it might be the only photo with the six of us, so it’s extra special to me.
I also learned that my husband is in this journey with me for life. He blesses me daily with unconditional love and I appreciate and love him more each day for that.
Prompt: Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year. (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)
The Making Things Happen Intensive got me really fired up for the beginning of the year. It set my drive into full gear and I felt like I could conquer the world, even if I didn’t know how. I learned that it’s okay to fail and that even if you’re scared, DO IT ANYWAY. That intensive was the impetus for me to start this blog. The intensive really got me thinking not just about professional life, but also about my life beyond just “work”. Where do I see myself in the future, and even twenty, thirty years from now. I was pushed to dream and dream BIG.
Prompt: What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)
Life Balance. I want to have a good work/life balance. I feel like this last year was filled with too much life and not enough work (maybe it’s all in my head), but I want to have a greater balance. I want to grow my business and contribute (financially, too) to our household. I want to be able to go to sleep knowing that I completed my work and spent time with my husband growing our relationship.
Feeling: Comfort
1. Build relationships with vendors
2. Discuss thoughts with my husband on a regular basis
3. Give first
4. Think positively, even when the outcome looks bleak
5. Make time to pray for guidance
6. Write out goals for 2011
7. Turn off the computer by 6:30pm
8. Only check email 3 times a day
9. Make time to workout each morning
10. Make time to journal thoughts and feelings, reviewing them weekly
Prompt: Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown)
My moment of ordinary joy this year occurred when I woke up on a Friday morning, walked out into the living room, and found my husband working from home. It was a nice little surprise to have him there. He’s been working so hard in 2010, so I was extra excited to see him.
Prompt: What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul? (Author: Elise Marie Collins)
Ah food. I do love me some good food. While I’m not a foodie, I do appreciate an excellent meal.
One meal that stands out in my mind was our first visit to Angry Dog in Dallas. I don’t know if I was just hungry, or what, but that was, hands down, one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. The flavor was great, and it was an overall awesome meal.
Another wonderful meal from this year was a wedding I worked. We were treated like guests and received the same meals like the guests. I had the filet mignon, cooked to my liking. It melted in my mouth, SERIOUSLY. So delicious.
Prompt: Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you. (Author: Tracey Clark)
Typically, I don’t love photos of myself. But this one, I LOVE. I think it captures everything I am and what I want to be. I feel alive and joyful, and excited to be doing what I love. I’m wearing my favorite color, I look great, and sporting a genuine smile on my face. This photo, as a friend told me, is SO ME.
This was shot by my friend Maggie McDonald.
Prompt: What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)
I don’t know that there was any one distinct moment, but I would have to say that when we get by every month with our bills and our household income, I know that everything is going to be okay. When I reflect and see that my family and friends are in good health and good spirits, I know that everything is going to be okay. I believe a life full of prayer and thanks are essential to know that everything is going to be alright. God guides us in all we do, and we have to trust in Him.
Prompt: Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)
I’ve always like the name Zoë. It’s a cute name and yet sophisticated at the same time. It’s a familiar, but not too overly used name. And it’s only three letters. Easy to spell. 
Prompt: How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)
This year, I traveled to Las Vegas for the annual photography convention. In May, we went to Pensacola for my mother-in-law’s brithday. In June, we traveled to California for a friend’s wedding and I returned in July and August for two more photography jobs. In October we drove to New Braunfels for another wedding. November we flew back to California for a week for Thanksgiving. And in December we flew to Savannah for Christmas.
Next year, I’d like to make a trip to New York with my husband and also stop through New England to visit my cousins. I’d also like to go to Orlando and revisit the place we first met….DISNEYWORLD! It would be awesome if we could attend my friend’s wedding in the English countryside. And a trip to Europe to gallivant around would be amazing!
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by Catie @ Project Joie de Vivre
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