Musing

These are some snowflakes I crocheted a few years ago using a pattern I found in a Martha Stewart magazine. I love them, but I don’t know what to do with them. Any suggestions? (this is the obligatory picture part of the post)

Now, on to the musing part.

I have been reading everyone’s top 10 posts, resolution posts, and generally reflecting on 2010 and looking forward to 2011. In addition, I have been considering what I would like to see happen in my life/blog/family in the coming year.

Here’s what I have come up with. When deciding on the goals I would like to have for myself, I titled the section “Be a Beacon of Light”. This is my resolution. Deep down in the inner recesses of myself I am happy, and I want to show it more on the outside. I want to be grateful, be gracious, be content, be giving, be focused, be generous. I want to share things that will help others find that as well.

I tend to be competitive. I inherited it from my dad. Growing up there were things we just didn’t do as a family. We didn’t drink, we didn’t swear and we didn’t play Monopoly. It was just too much contention and arguing. 😉 I have struggled with this personality trait my whole life. If someone else can do it, I can do it better, bigger and faster. I have come pretty far, and now it’s not a huge problem for me, but there are times when it rears it’s ugly head and I have to push pretty hard to get it back under control. This blog thing has been one place where it has gotten hold and nearly drove me crazy. I want hundreds (who am I kidding- I’d love Thousands) of followers and the opportunities that go with them! I’d love sponsors, freebies and sales generated by my blog. But, this is where the great moment of truth comes in, I have realized that someone else having those things, doesn’t preclude me from having them as well.

With that truth learned, there is one more thing I have realized. To have the success I truly want- I need to take a step back from the numbers game and simply be myself. I need to stop trying to out-do someone else’s tutorials, someone else’s projects, someone else’s life- and get on with my own.

So, instead of playing Monopoly with my blog, I’ve changed the game. Now, we’re playing Sardines! I’m not worrying about out-doing, I’m interested in gathering in. I’m not trying to come up with the next BIG thing, I’m trying to come up with simple, easy things that will grace your life and mine. Things that will add up to one gracious, lovely, LIGHT filled life. I’m going to be who I am. I’m going to share the reality of my life, so that others might learn, grow and avoid the many mistakes I am constantly making. I’m going to set goals and ideals and share how I succeed and fail at those things.

There will be plenty of tutorials and projects along the way (I have 4 pillow tutorials I’m working on right now- I know, 4?? pillows???) and hopefully lots and lots of fun. Plus, I’ve got some give aways in the works, with one coming right around the corner.

So, there you have it. Here’s to a new year, and a chance to start over.
Bring it on 2011!

xoxo,
Amy