I wrote this last December 31st and it still rings true with me this year.
While considering for a moment what I might resolve for the coming year it occurred to me that such resolutions often seem to serve only one purpose: to remind me of my failures over the past twelve months. So tonight, on this last night of the year, I’m going to look back. I have a dangerous habit to go quickly to my shortcomings and examine only my inadequacies. This evening I’m going to celebrate my successes.
A gift of confirmation to myself.
So I’ve decided to make it a tradition and am inviting you to do the same. Take some time to compile a list of your accomplishments over the past twelve months. If you care to make them public you can do so here, or add your link in the comments and I’ll come celebrate with you. Even during these rough times I’m confident you’ll find yourself pleased if you take the time to pat yourself on the back for the things you did well instead of focusing on the things you need to do better (there will be time enough for that later).
This year I:
mothered two active boys, every day;
did something that scared me;
dealt with unpleasant situations and survived;
followed through better than ever before;
felt good in my skin (more days than not);
nurtured old friendships and made new ones;
When I look at it that way, it feels like a pretty successful year overall—thank you for being a part of it and here’s to more to come for all of us.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
thank you, amy. i’m sure i read this last year, but this year perhaps, i needed to hear it. you hit it on the head about trying to chastise and rehabilitate yourself every new year, rather than congratulate and fortify.
best wishes to you, and us all, for this new year, new chance…to be just our old selves and all the good that that implies.
What an amazing thing, to celebrate and remember and document. This post is more than a best-of – it’s incredible. I won’t get to it before 2010, but maybe when the dust settles and the boxes are empty and *both* kids are in school, I’ll compile my own list of accomplishments… and toast the ones to come.
Happy New Year.
This is so great Amy – I was feeling the same way and now you’ve inspired me to look back and appreciate the great parts of the year – thanks!
This is a great list and an inspiration to me! I hope the next year is just as good.
Your blog has been a big, bright spot in my year. I love all of your reflections and honesty and creativity. There are a few blogs that I find I must read the new posts as soon as I see them – and yours is on that [very short] list. Thank you for sharing it all.
I truly like this. My list was shaping up as “The Disasters of 2009″. Yours is way better! Thanks for a new way of seeing!
This is very inspiring, and as usual you have said it with so eloquently. I hope I have the courage to make my own list and write it down, but the truth is it is just easier to focus on our weaknesses.
you are so right about this.
Amy, this is great.
You’re a constant inspiration!
I am off to make my own list.
I do very much agree with your words last year. I love the idea of looking back at what you did wonderfully and celebrating how far you’ve come in the last year! Your list is a perfect celebration of your year
What a good way of summing up all your accomplishments. Love this idea! Looking forward to follow your accomplishments in 2010.
Awesome, Amy….your words and thoughts ring true. I’ve not been blogging for the past few weeks, but will return after the New Year with my own “Celebration List.” Thanks for the inspiration, as always!
What a fantastic tradition – I might have to take this one on. Probably privately but definitely worth doing. Thank you for sharing it!! Happy New Year!
what a fantastic way to approach the new year! thanks for the fresh outlook, amy. happy days to you and yours!
I make a list every year on my birthday (January 7, so close to the New Year) of things I want to accomplish the coming year. As the next birthday looms, I take a look back at this list and while I don’t even think I accomplish half of the things on it, I realize all the things I did accomplish. I think I will change it around a bit to include accomplishiments and desires. Did I use the word accomplish enough?
Hello Amy – I come your way via Amber’s blog (One Shabby Chick). I too made a list of ‘accomplishments’ this year. You’re right – we do tend to focus on our failings and neglect what we should be doing, which is celebrating our successes. My post today was about just that. You’re welcome to come and visit!
Happy New Year!
I LOVE your list, you always word everything so well
I just did my blog and posted that it was a pretty good year! I am really blessed
Thank you! you are an inspiration in many ways, both real life and being crafty!
Hugs!
You really do inspire us to move beyond the typical self-deprecation and comparisons generally associated with blogging. Thank-you for that.
Happy New Year!
Amy, I love this tradition. Hope this year is blessed!
Well, the whole 2009 New Years Intentions proved pretty great for both of us. I have in my budget for us to talk more about revamping my business/blog site in the coming months. Still interested?
I had a similar post and am thrilled to find yours on bright&blithe. Here’s to another great year!
http://timestwophoto.blogspot.com/2009/12/shining-moments-1-calm-and-quiet.html
Right now I can’t find a single good thing I did last year. Everything fell apart on me. But I’ll try to remember something good. Thank you for reminding me that there must be something positive.
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