We often say it, but this time I really mean it: WHAT A YEAR. I say that with a heavy heart, a happy heart and all with the knowing that everything was for the best.
I have written 140 blog posts (with 12 days to go!), and experienced, well…you’ll see…I’ve found my most significant and popular posts, with a few other tid-bits from the year in between.
Do you take a look back at your year? How do you do it? This is the first time I’ve written it down to look at…a great review. I encourage you to do the same!
Most popular posts this year:
It will work out – the story of my pregnancy and miscarriage (for more regarding my miscarriage, click here)
Change for the better – dealing with my severe bullying in high school
Finding peace with Joan Steffend – an interview with my incredible, peace-seeking mama (and former HGTV host!)
An angel on my airplane – I met someone very special on my way to my first solo expedition to the southwest!
Weekend in Chicago to-do list – an overview of what my sister and I did together in the great city of Chicago
——-Other significant posts broken down month-by-month——-
February
- Why I started the Turquoise Heart and how I viewed 2012 as the time to believe, speak your truth and follow your heart
- I took my first solo trip to the southwest, New Mexico and Northern Arizona, here is my travel diary. And, here are 20 travel tips for those thinking of going on a solo trip!
March
- The wisdom that remains — my sweet grandma Hanky was diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease this year. Even though she doesn’t recognize me, she still has amazing wisdom to share.
- I decided I’m never going to work again — find out why!
April
- How a stranger opened my heart to compassion — a tender story about the power of kindness, this time between a little bunny and a stranger I met on a walk, makes me gooey inside just thinking about it.
May
- Poor little Frankie was attacked while we were on one of our daily walks. We both suffered a bit of PTSD, here is our story.
- I began to find my inner zen — I started meditating! Here is a list of 10 tips for meditation rookies (like me!)
June
- I was published in tiny buddha! My story about bullying, Speaking up when you’re bullied: In school and beyond was an amazing way to heal the pain from my past hurt.
- I ran my very first 5K!
- I love this breathing room about blessing yourself — a sweet little poem that will make your heart feel whole.
- I traveled with my sister (another fun sister trip!) to, well, umm…probably my favorite place in the world, the Black Hills of South Dakota! Check out my favorite 16 things to see, eat, do in the Black Hills!
July
- I made these verde chicken enchiladas I don’t even know how many times this summer — you will find more recharge recipes here!
- My husband, Bryan and I made our annual trip out west, this year we choose to visit the Glacier National Park region in Montana — it is truly magical. Here are some of my tips if you’re traveling to the great state of Montana!
- I’m kind of a rule breaker — so I found a new motto — buck the rules! Are you ready to let go of the reins too?
August
- I experienced a miscarriage this month and also lost my sweet Grandma Ruth. Guggums (as I called her as a baby) was (still is) so special to me, so I wrote her a little tribute: To Grandma, with love.
September
- After a hard August, I wanted to find more happiness in the little things in life. Enter: Being blissful about the not so little things.
- I started talking more about my love for astrology…and something most people can relate to, Saturn Return, a phenomenon that happens to us two to three times in our lives!
October
November
- I learned that adapting to the pace of nature puts everything into perspective
- If you’re going through a hard time, keep going and do not shut down. There is always more to gain!
December
- I am beginning to make peace with my body and body image. Do you need a little help too? Or maybe a laugh?
- The Newton, CT school shooting has affected us all. Here are some of my thoughts on how to honor the feelings in your heart.
I also want to genuinely say thank you for being a part of my blog. I have nothing but warm feelings and kind thoughts for all of you being here. You have helped me on my journey of finding myself…more this year than I have ever experienced in my life. This has been a year of metamorphosis and I am happy to have shared it all with you. Now…I can’t imagine what amazing things I will find in 2013!
If you haven’t already, I would love to connect with you on my Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @theturquoiseheart! Don’t be shy about commenting or starting a conversation, I would be THRILLED to chat with you!
It seems to be the time of year that many of us take the time to reflect back on the year. I just finished a lengthy draft blog post myself for tomorrow.
I feel so blessed Blair to have met you online this year. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each of your blog posts since then. Keep them coming. I love them all. I really enjoy all the topics that you write about.
Wishing you a New Year filled with continued transformation, good health, amazing opportunities and experiences as well as all the goodness and beauty that you deserve to have in your life and more.
Suzanne xo
Thank you Suzanne 🙂 You know I have felt the same way about you – thank you for your sharing your unlimited gifts with me and the rest of the world 🙂 Blessings to you!
What a great idea to look back at our blogs this way. Your list is powerful and I can’t believe all you’ve gone through and accomplished! It truly has been a big year in many ways. One of my favorite blog posts you did was the one about bullying. Thank you for sharing all aspects of who you are so freely. You are truly an inspiration. xoxo
Thank you Michele! It was interesting to look back on my life this way…I’m glad I started this blog because I wouldn’t have been able to recall all those details from my year. YOU are an inspiration too! Lots of love!
I imagine this made it so easy to look back and really re-live some of those incredible experiences. Lots of love back at you 🙂
Sure did! Thanks dear Michele 🙂
Love this recap post. It certainly has been a busy year! Many people seem to have found 2012 to be a year of struggle…and great growth. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2013 brings! Best wishes to you for a new year full of love, good health, and happiness xoxo
ME TOO! 2013 is going to be great! 2012 was great too, but a lot of work…all for the greater good 🙂 Onward and upward, my friend!
Blair, This is a rich post. In traveling around your blog, I especially enjoyed the angel on the plane, and the videos on the body image post. “I can do anything good!” is still repeating in my brain. Bless you as you integrate this year and as you step into your next year.
Thanks Janet – I so appreciate you being here 🙂 Blessings to you too – looking forward to sharing a lovely 2013!
What an amazing journey you’ve been on. I especially loved hearing about your solo trip to the spa. Looks quite inviting and I may just have to put that on my 2013 To Do list.
Oh thank you Julie. Please let me know if you go – you will love 10K Waves – such a special place 🙂 Blessings to you always!
Blair,
What a great way to review the year! It has been wonderful getting to know you and several of the others from the blogging group. I have met so many interesting people this year through blogging and it has truly enriched my life. Looking forward to hearing more from you next year!
Hi Sue 🙂
Thanks! It was very fun to put this together – 2012 has been quite the year! Me too. And same to you! 🙂 Happy 2013!
I’m so glad to have found your site. And this post is a perfect way for me to learn more. I’m especially excited to read your travel pieces. Here’s to an exciting and fulfilling 2013!
Hello Sue 🙂 Thanks so much for being here! I’m excited to travel and write more! YAY 2013! Can’t wait to check out your site too – looks fab! Have a great entrance to ’13! xo
Blair, I’m so wowed by this recap of 2012. I missed some posts but can catch up now. I was really moved by your posts about your body. I think you have nothing to worry about. 🙂 But I know it’s the what’s running through our heads that matter most. I’m going to subscribe so I don’t miss anymore posts! Happy New Year, Blair!
Wow, thank you Karen! Thank you so much for being here! Thanks – I have held a lot of those body image “issues” inside of me for a long while. I am so happy to release them and begin to heal. I appreciate your kind words 🙂 Much peace to you always!