Dear 2012: Hindsight is 20/20

Dear 2012, 

I decided to leave it in your hands. Little did I know our start together would be you kicking me off of a cliff. The bumps along the way were, needless to say, not fun but albeit necessary (hindsight is always 20/20). Eventually wounds healed and you eased up on the breaks. Going through torn moments, times of frustration and anxiety I will say this year I have felt more support from my family and friends than ever. You have given me great memories. I have learned to treasure moments spent with family and friends, and that you never know what life has in store for any one of us. Never take loved ones for granted, and having conversations with family and close friends about life and love is irreplaceable. Just because you want something doesn't mean you will get it, just because you have a plan doesn't mean it will happen the way you envisioned.

Dear 2013, 

I am taking all the positive aspects of 2012 with me. I have never been a big fan of celebrating the New Year but I will admit I cannot wait for the new adventure that awaits!! Let's do this...

Yours truly,

Elyse

10 things, 9 tips, 8 ways, 7 signs...

How many of you read those lists in magazines that tell you "great" ways on 'how to lose weight', or 'is she really your best friend?', how about 'you're boyfriend is cheating when...?'. These "helpful tips" reach into our emotions and our psyche and play out what is currently in our life or what we hope to obtain. I have never been a fan of these lists even when I was a teen. I never believed that the human race could be so generalized.

Lately I am starting to realize maybe we are? How can we be individually unique but also be a general population? What works for one may not for another.

Recently one of my very good friends said to me, "You sound like every other woman!". Boy did that hit me hard! There is nothing I dislike more than being  compared to others. I take pride in my uniqueness and all that it consists of. I couldn't help but think, "Is she right?". Having a small group of close girlfriends they are each different in their own way. Yes there are common interests but for the most part they each have their own style, their own opinion, their own perspective on life. I don't believe I have ever utilized my friendships the way I have done this year. I rarely ever used my friends or family as an outlet for venting. I've learned it is okay to feel and to vent the stress and anxiety that I carry. In speaking to the beautiful and strong woman around me I realized their words of wisdom have been EXACTLY what I have needed to hear! 

Today I came across a bunch of these lists and I read them! Surprisingly, I related to some of the advice given and as I expected, other things could not have been further from the truth. It's validating when a friend or someone we know can understand how we feel and where we are coming from. Even more so when there are other people out there experiencing the same thing as you! (If not something similar.) 

It's nice to know I am not alone. And neither are you!