Pig Kicking.

Well, hi there 2012! :)

"There's a new wind blowing like I've never known
I'm breathing deeper than I've ever done
And it sure feels good to finally feel the way I do..." -Keith Urban

I am so ready for a fresh start and a different year.  So much has been going on in my life.  I am ready for a break, but it's crazy how God still moves in the midst of really tough stuff.  And you know, sometimes you just don't get that break you need til later. I believe God knows you can only learn some stuff under pressures that aren't normally in your life.   Haha, my goodness, I am sure learning!! Learning so much. I wouldn't trade this past year for anything. Seriously.  The things I have learned are so life altering and priceless.  I am just so thankful.  It's one thing to be told a lesson...when you walk through it yourself, it's life altering.

2011 can be summed up like this for me:   Growth and devestation.  There is much to be said, but that will wait til later.  What I will say is that for many years, I chose to ignore very important things that were needing attention in my life.  You finally hit a point in your life when you either deal with it, or it will destroy you and all those involved.  Choosing to deal with it...t's been very hard to do...  endless supply of tears mixed with black circles under the eyes from no sleep, screaming in the car while driving and then that tiny itty bitty smile, repeat....yeah its been really fun.  But I know that it's coming to a close and that I am gonna feel the sunshine in my life again.  What have I learned? To name a couple...

1.  Never, for any reason, keep the truth about how you are feeling about a situation inside.  Wait for the right timing to find a way to tactfully let someone know what you're going through...but for goodness sake, get it in the open.   If you keep it quiet, self-destruction will be most certain. Saying everything on your heart may not be the best thing, tho. Good balance is key.

2.  Learn from your mistakes.  Choose to grow from them no matter what it takes.  Sometimes you will have to apologize for things that you didn't mean to do.  Suck it up and apologize. And sometimes you will have to dig deep to find out how to grow. No matter what, make growth the only option.

3.  Love with a smile on your face and don't be afraid to let everyone know who is yours.  It is ok to be affectionate with the person you love.  It is ok to treat them amazing. It is ok.

4.  No matter what, do not speak badly of anyone else you are going through a rough time with.  Friend or whoever.  It's just not worth it and they deserve that respect from you.

5.  When having a bad day, make sure to have a pig around to kick.  It's been said that when you kick a pig on a bad day, it turns the day around.  In my case, I am now the proud owner of a stuffed pig, but nevertheless, it has had its share of kicks, even if only with a barefoot toe.  (He's just too cute to kick more than that)...

6.  Find your stress outlet.  Mine is running.  There are so many miles out there on the open road that have collected my tears, my anger, my smiles and my dancing. (Yes, it is possible to do a couple dance moves while running...my apologies to the passing cars...) I guess I must also apologize quickly for the singing done while running, too.  I tend to belt it out with my ipod and forget there could be passer-bys. Sorry! ( But not really :) )

7.  Never allow anything to come between you and God.  He is there for you. No matter what. He understands more than we think.  He really does show us what to do, but also won't force us in one direction or another.  I understand Him so much more now...

8.  Sometimes you have to walk through all the things you don't want for your life to figure out the things you do want.  (Thanks, Christine :) ) And there are many people in your life. Each one has a reason...some are meant to pass through briefly, and others are meant to stick.  Recognize each of these and let what's naturally supposed to happen, happen. 

9.  I really really like to laugh. Like alot.  It means the world to me. It's part of who I am.  For so many years, I have not lived being "me." Gotta make up some time... so, yeah, gonna figure out how to get more of that in my life, even if I have to laugh alone, then I will. :)

10.  If you aren't happy with your life, you can change it.  This is your life and by golly!  It's supposed to be amazing!! You've got this one shot at it...if something isn't right, get on that.  Good and bad, these are the experiences that make life worth living.  You cannot appreciate the sunshine until you have walked in the bitter cold of the winter. 

Shine, on, friends. I appreciate each one of you.  Live on, buddy! :)  I'm sure I will write more of these down here in a bit.  Live your amazing life.