Goodbye 2012 and Happy New Year

Everyone, Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that two years have passed since I wrote this 2011 New Year's post. A lot has changed since then. Things have settled. John and I left the transitional period and have been in Greenville longer than anywhere else. For now, we're here to stay.

Each time I've thought about what one word might describe 2012, joy has jumped into my head with relentless certainty. 2012 was joyful. Marriage is a joy, John is a joy, the little pieces of our everyday life are a joy.

2012 was also about finding joy in areas I usually don't. Typically result driven to the point of not enjoying the process - even to the point of making the process miserable - I've made an effort to find happiness even before a goal is reached. John and I have been craving stability in different forms for three years, and we can finally see it in the distance. I worried away much of the process in anxious pursuit of the better end, but now I see myself successfully avoiding some of this unnecessary struggle. This is a big victory.

Part of avoiding unnecessary struggle has also led me to do little things with more intention. I've put more time into wonderful, authentic relationships and stopped allowing some others to take from my life in negative ways. I've tried to soften high expectations I tend to have for myself and those close to me, which has led to less disappointment and more, yes, joy. I am more careful with my words. I make sure I allow John and Herbie to see how happy I am when they walk in the room, no matter what else I might be doing. I used to stifle that enthusiasm sometimes, but I realized I wanted them to always be able to see the joy they give to me.

I learned this year that dating and weddings are wonderful and beautiful and breathtaking, but making the most of the little, everyday moments is what makes me want to get out of bed in the morning. Joy.

2012 was a year of growth and happiness, and I have a great feeling that 2013 will bring more of the same. I hope all of you had a lovely holiday and celebrated this new year with the people you love most.

These photos are from Sapphire, NC, where we spent New Year's with friends.:)