Saturday, January 1, 2011

2011: Year of the Rabbit

(source)   


In the words of Britney.."It's been a while, I know I shouldn't have kept you waiting, but I'm here now." (Break the Ice, if you were wondering.)

Well here we are. New year. New post. New banner soon. I feel like 2011 is the year of NEW. 

Although I came up with some resolutions (I love them) I also took a cue from Felicia Day and reflected back on four things I've learned from 2010. In no particular order...

1. You can't please all people all the time
I will be the first one to admit, that I tend towards being a "people pleaser." As much as I love kicking butt in martial arts and on the warhammer playing field, I usually try to avoid conflict with my friends, family, and co-workers. Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to keep the peace, or choose your battles, but you have to be careful that you don't lose YOURSELF in it. I didn't realize until the end of 2010 that I had been trying so hard to make everyone else happy, that I wasn't getting what I wanted or needed.

2. Prioritize
2010 kept me analyzing my priorities constantly. Priorities are different for everyone, but mine include Chris, my friends, my family, my dog, work, fitness, and personal growth. The past several months I have found that that it is easy to make up excuses about dropping priorities,and even easier make promises to yourself that you end up breaking. I have had to take a cold hard look at my priorities and try to arrange them in a way that works for me. 

3. There will always be someone more/ (insert descriptive word here)-er than you. Love yourself!
Thinner, richer, prettier, more athletic, healthier, taller, more creative....the list goes on. We are all works in progress, and sure, there is always room for improvement. Looking back on 2010, I feel like there were so many times that I compared myself to others. "I'm not as thin or fit as she is..." "I don't dress as well as she does..." "I don't make as much money as he does..." I'm sure poor Chris bore the brunt of this (especially around that certain delightful time of the month.) I was also surprised that the many people I envied had problems of their own, or had worked extra hard to achieve the things they had. I have definitely learned that I need to start taking my own advice and LOVE MYSELF for the awesome things I have to offer this world.


4. Make reasonable goals
Ugh, this was a tough lesson to learn. I want to do it all! Learn chinese, work out 6 days a week, eat organic and fresh at every meal. It's not that these things are unattainable, but when you set unreasonable deadlines for yourself, these goals just become a series of  disappointments. I did not achieve all of the things I had set out to do in 2010, but in retrospect, I did not set up reasonable goals. For example if I say "I will go to the gym 3 times a week," I feel pretty confident that this is something I can accomplish. If I end up going more, HURRAY, that would be amazing. It's definitely better than saying "I'll go 6 times," and only making 3. Always set yourself up for success. And always be aware of your current limitations. I am getting married in 2 weeks, (AHHHHH!) so I know I can cut myself some slack. Hopefully I can take what I've learned and apply it in the coming year.

In 2010 I:
moved in with my fiance Chris* got a puppy* visited my friend Marie in Chicago* visited Chris' older brother in Texas* started planning my wedding* 
went to VA beach for my good friend's baby shower
(Pretty low-key, but money and time were wrapped up with work and a wedding.)


In 2011 I will: 
get married!* go on a honeymoon to Costa Rica for a week* gamble in Las Vegas* take up fencing again* continue horse-back riding* try hip-hop dancing* be more responsible with my money* finish painting my Santa Ogre Warhammer Fantasy Army* dress up more* be more cognizant of where my food comes from* spend time with my family and friends* discover new work opportunities* hit the con scene*
not take "20 minutes per round"* kick ass and take names





Here is more information on 2011, year of the rabbit.

Readers, what was your favorite moment of 2010? 

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