**Disclaimer: This post is going to lack pictures. I'm feeling reflective and I think this is a more wordy post than picture. Sorry for the disappointment**
Not sure if anyone else noticed, but today ends the first half of 2011. 6 months down, 6 months to go. Then we start over (if you're into that sort of thing).
I came into 2011 feeling broken, unsure of everything and worried about what this year was going to bring. Because 2010 was... well, that's a whole blog post on it's own. I guess I can sum of the first half of 2011 with the following words:
Revitalized - I felt exhausted at the end of 2010. During the earlier months of this year, I realized I had to stop being stagnant. I had to move forward. Life goes on. Things happen, some good, some bad. I have to enjoy everyday, no matter what yesterday was like and no matter what I think tomorrow will bring.
Enlightening - Woodford joined my life on September 17, 2010. There was so much going on around that time, I have to admit, I was a little unsure of having him around. Initially, I thought raising him was going to be a team effort (I realize I sound like I'm talking about a child, it's my blog, I can do that). Annnnnd then it was just me. Which freaked me out. "I don't have time to take care of a dog." "I won't have life anymore because I can never leave the house." "This is too much." All of those thoughts ran through my mind. Multiple times. Guess what? I made time. I have a life. It's not too much. I can't imagine my life without him. He brings me SO much enjoyment, companionship, unconditional love. I just really can't imagine not having him at this point. Which is so funny to me, because I was never an "animal person" before. I mean, my parents have a dog and he's ok... but I wasn't really attached to him.
Recognition - I've realized some things about myself this year that I've never noticed/admitted before. Some good, some bad. Regardless, I've recognized them and now I can make changes that I need to, to certain things. It's very refreshing to find ways to improve yourself. I think a lot of times we just assume that we are perfect (we're not). And that there's nothing we could possibly improve upon. Not true. It's never too late to make changes.
Broadening - I couldn't figure out what word I wanted to use here, so the word I picked probably doesn't apply at all. Sorry, cut me some slack! Ok... this goes along with friendships. I made a couple hard decisions earlier this year. I stopped putting time and energy into a few friendships I wasn't getting anything out of. There's a quote that says something to the effect of: Surround yourself with people who bring you up, who are positive. Not negative people or people who bring you down. SO. TRUE. I wish I would have figured this out earlier. I've always felt like I HAD to keep every single person I was ever friends with around as a friend. I guess in fear of never making new friends or filling the holes those people leaving would create? I don't stress about certain friendships anymore, because I stopped letting myself be so involved. I made the effort and when I saw no reciprocation, I had my answer. Obviously our friendship wasn't important enough to that person, so why should it be to me? I know that sounds harsh, but it's true. On the other side of the coin, I've made a few new friendships this year with people I absolutely adore. I'm always timid when it comes to getting to know new people because I don't want to come across as "too much, too soon." But I haven't had that problem with these people and it's really cool. One person in particular, I prematurely judged. I decided I didn't like this person and had nothing in common with them, so it wasn't worth the effort. Geez was I wrong. We joke about being the same person. Because we have so. much. in. common. It's really funny at times. And nice. I look forward to growing these new friendships. Just because you haven't known someone 5+ years doesn't mean they can't become one of your close friends in a short period of time.
Ok wow, that was actually longer than I intended it to be. But that should tie the -2 people who read my blog over... until next time. Maybe next week? I'll be traveling and will have time to blog in my hotel room at night. So cross your fingers for that!
