Note for new readers: Throughout December, I will be posting my personal responses to Reverb11. My posts will be a bit different than usual—more vulnerable, less polished, more frequent, and probably more interesting! However, you can expect some “special” posts during the month as well. If you’re interested in reading more typical content, check out a few of the most popular posts. Regardless of what you’re reading (or not reading), welcome and happy December!
Today, I’m sharing my responses to four of the Reverb11 prompts (prompts 14 – 17).
14. Marvel. What have you done well over the past year—the little stuff and the big stuff? How do you celebrate the positives?
- I had my wisdom teeth removed (something I’ve been afraid to do for awhile).
- I completed a semester of difficult coursework.
- I ran 21 participants in my research study (all in about one month!). I analyzed the data and presented my research on three separate occasions. I completed my research thesis.
- I completed a year long clinical practicum.
- I persevered through some really difficult situations and have become truly resilient.
- I wrote regularly on A Beautiful Ripple Effect.
- I participated in Blogshop and am practicing my new Photoshop techniques.
- I created a bucket list!
Celebrate the Positives
Over the past year, I’ve been trying to recognize and celebrate more of the positives. It’s easier to do this when we’re younger because a lot of the positives are celebrated by others—ribbons, awards, recitals, graduations, and so on. As we get “older,” it can feel a bit obnoxious to celebrate oneself. But it’s pretty easy to berate oneself, especially to others. Without practice, one can forget to celebrate the positives and simply focus on the negatives. Consider it part of your self-care routine to regularly check-in with yourself and find little ways to recognize what you’ve done well (even if that means simply writing down one thing you done well at the end of each day). Below is a few ways I’ve celebrated the positives over the past year.
- Daily Gratitude Journal: I began writing down one thing that went well during my day each evening. This new ritual enabled my mind to shift to a more positive focus before retreating to bed. Sometimes, I simply wrote that I opened my gratitude journal (yes, it’s really that simple and has a profound effect).
- After my wisdom teeth were removed, I downloaded a few favorite movies to watch while I recovered and really relished this time to myself to enjoy some much needed me time. It was my little celebration.
- After completing a very difficult semester, I celebrated by attending two of my closest friends’ weddings. I loved looking forward to these events during the long days and even longer evenings!
- My husband helped me celebrate receiving my master’s degree by wrapping up my diploma as a surprise present :).
- Celebrated a year of perseverance and triumph with my husband for our 1 year wedding anniversary.
15. Fear. The easiest way to overcome fear is to confront it. Rather than brainstorm ways to avoid your “fear,” shift your attention to the reasons for confronting your fear. What fear would you like to overcome in 2012?
Fear of the unknown. I would like to cultivate an attitude of curiosity rather than worry when it comes to dealing with the unknown.
16. Transitions. Over the past year, have you experienced any major/minor life transitions? How has your life changed?
YES. A major part of my life has changed over the past year. It’s something I’m still trying to figure out in my own way, in private. My life is changing a lot, and I look forward to the moment in time when this change is not so raw and tender. At that time, I’ll begin to share this transition in my life—what happened, what I’ve learned, what I’m learning (and need to learn), and how I move forward and see this transition as something that has only helped shape me into the person I will become. I’m slowly getting to this place (note: slowly), but when I arrive (which I can’t wait to occur), I know that I will have a treasury of new knowledge to help others dealing with difficult transitions in a truly profound way. That is what I know. And that is what fuels me to get through the difficult days, to see the glimmer of light that is beginning to appear.
17. Bliss. What are three things that make you feel the most blissed out? What can do in 2012 to invite more of that into your life?
Yoga | Writing | Creating
I need to prioritize these three activities—to recognize how important they are for me and to respect that truth. I am worthy of bliss, worthy of time dedicated solely to bliss.
image: once wed
Are you exhausted from continuously running at breakneck speed? Do you feel trapped in a draining cycle of working, parenting and/or incessantly checking things off an endless list of personal action items? Or, are you simply convinced that stolen moments of solitude and tranquility have forever been replaced by the ceaseless demand of your daily routine?
