Looking Back to Look Forward
The beginning of a new year often seems like a over-rated time to begin anew with setting intentions for the year ahead. But to me New Years is a symbolic of a new start, a reminder that at any time we can begin anew and make positive changes in our lives. We don’t need to wait for New Years to do this however there is something about the idea of a NEW Year that helps us focus on the possibilities of letting go of the old in the past year to make room for the possibilities of what we can invite into our lives.
But in order to make room for creative possibilities ahead we must pay respect to those creations which have already been nurtured into being by us.
This year brought so many new beginnings, lessons and opportunities into my life. Here are some of the highlights I would like to share below:
1) I began my year by going on a much-needed retreat with my soul mate and best friend. It was an important reminder to me how essential self-care is being in the helping field. Always remember to give back to yourself, so that you have the energy to give to others.
2) I was part of Dirty Foot Prints Studio’s 21 Secrets Spring, offering my workshop Inner Art Explorations combining my love of nature, meditation and art in art journaling. (You can still purchase 21 Secrets Spring 2014, the 21 Secrets fall 2014 or the newest Spring 2015 21 Secrets here) Note: these are affiliate links which means I get a portion of fees from purchases through these links- this is how I get paid as a 21 Secrets teacher.
3.) I went on a wonderful bike trip with my friends and colleagues! We stayed at a beautiful luxury cottage. This is the second year we’ve done this together and it looks like it will be turning into a yearly thing!
4) I took some time off to visit California! I took time to relax with my soul mate and left the online world behind for a few days!
5.) While guiding several Painting With Your Muse Workshops I met so many fabulous Muses!
6.) I was invited to be part of Art Therapy Alliance’s 30 day Facebook Hop in June.
7.) I made the top 50 Art Therapy blogs! http://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/expressive-artists/top-50-art-therapy-blogs/
8.) I enjoyed some beautiful spa days and nature adventures while I was off for the month of August.
9.) I was proud to be a part of 21 Secrets Conversations over at Dirty Foot Prints Studio’s. Click the picture below to watch this interview. It’s FREE!
10.) I hosted a Doodle A Day Challenge for the month of November and doodled every day!
While I have just shared some of the highlights these are by no means the only celebrations from my year. There were many more, just as there were times of disappointment. I chose to focus here on the positives, as the lessons learned from the more challenging times are personal to me, but just as important to acknowledge and reflect upon. Be honest with yourself but gentle too. When you take the time to reflect upon your year you may be surprised at just how many highlights there were as well as important lessons.
Take some time to acknowledge your accomplishments from this year. Allow yourself to let go of perceived failures and accept the lessons as gifts. Take some time now and review your year. What gifts has this year brought you?
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