Simplified life week 1 challenge…
So I need to start from a positive place and focus on what things did go right in 2011. Love this approach… as all too soon the new year moves on and you have lost your fresh start… but the year is never ALL bad!!
So lets see..
I was energised by the happiness of my little boy… while it is sometimes exhausting he really does motivate you to get up and go and play roaring dinosaurs or something around the house!
I felt really happy finding out I was pregnant for the third time round… we had been trying for 6 months and I was concerned it wouldn’t happen… but God granted the desires of my heart and I am happy and thankful.
Another happy moment in 2011 was celebrating my 10th Wedding anniversary and hubby had organised for us to go to where we had our first date. What a romantic guy!
I felt at peace knowing the date of my unborn childs birth… ironic in a way… but I have had 2 previous emergency c-sections and agonised over the birth plan through my last pregnancy… I really felt peaceful knowing it was set… though a c-section would not be my choice of childbirth again for my first one.. but for this time it felt great not stressing over whether or not I will go into labour or not.. just at peace knowing there is nothing I can do about it and my baby will be born at the appointed time.
Another thing that makes me calm and peaceful is listening to music… I found when I am anxious or uptight I can really turn my day around by listening to uplifting music… like “The Climb” or something.
I am really thankful for the people who helped me so much through the year with such sickness in the family. For each meal that was provided and people offering to look after my kids when I needed that support. It was very humbling for me taking this help but it was a real boost knowing I wasn’t alone and that support was close by. A lot of my bible study group have helped in this way… but others too!!
Some of the self care things that helped were going for my very first pedicure and getting my toenails done in bright red!!
Getting together with family for a surprise birthday BBQ… thanks hubby for organising. We also had a lovely get together for both my kids birthdays this year.. nice to have these special times with some of the extended family.
Was great to delve into some new experiences in my “me time” last year.. I had learned to sew a little and make some presents for the family. I also had started to crochet a little blanket for my new little one when they are here.
I learned
-that its better for me to be solutions focused rather than problem centred.
-that I need to see how far I have come and acknowledge my achievements rather than being down on myself for not getting things perfectly right
-I am a worrier… and I need to work on how I manage my worry and anxiety levels because if I don’t it leads to stress and depression.
-I am valued, I am respected, I am a work in progress and I am loved!!!
So… bring on 2012 so I can continue this positive journey and share what I am learning to bless others.
Simpler, Happier, Healthier, Sorted.... 
Hi Beck, I enjoyed reading your blog 🙂 I’m new to all this blogging business as I’ve taken up Deb’s Simplify Your Life Challenge also. The more comments I’ve read the more I realise I am not alone in wanting to get more organised and also being hard on myself. I can really relate to what you wrote:
“-that its better for me to be solutions focused rather than problem centred.
-that I need to see how far I have come and acknowledge my achievements rather than being down on myself for not getting things perfectly right
-I am a worrier… and I need to work on how I manage my worry and anxiety levels because if I don’t it leads to stress and depression.
-I am valued, I am respected, I am a work in progress and I am loved!!!
Thanks for sharing the link to your blog. Good luck with baby number 3! I’ve just had my second (she’s 6 months old) and I always thought I’d have three children however my anxiety/depression/difficulty with multi-tasking makes me wonder if I should stop at two 😦
Good luck with the SYL challenge 🙂
Christine xo
Your year sounds like you were surrounded by a fantastic husband and family!! Although with my three pregnancies, I had to wait and see when they would arrive, I often wonder if it would be easier knowing when they would arrive and then I could be all organised!!! It is nice to reflect on the good things of our year rather than the bad, thank you for sharing!!
Thanks Paula… I did have some great support this year… very humbling…
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Not long to go now!
I think writing about positives definitely helps lift us up when we are stressed/down. I especially loved the things you learned – I struggled with that part of my positives but I really like the way you took it.
Best of luck with the rest of SYL12
Thanks Lulu… it is hard sometimes to turn negatives into positive lessons… I suppose I learned some time ago that whatever happens things really could be worse and to just try and make the best of whatever lot you get in life… we seek to improve not to make our lives perfect…as that is impossible!
i particularly like that you included the things you learnt about yourself, what a great thing to have and to know! I love that instead of viewing these negative you chose to be so positive about each and every line 🙂
Thanks Lyndal… I am glad it encouraged you!! 🙂
What a beautiful post.
Though you’ve had tough times, you’ve been able to pull some really lovely positives from it, and that’s awesome.
I can relate to the things you’ve learned about yourself too.
Good luck with SYL12!
Thankyou so much Jayne… your words have been a great encouragement for me to see… sorry its taken me a while to respond I have been having some holiday time away with family.. 🙂
Enjoyed reading your blog, good luck with your pregnancy – I have three boys all grown up now but still need their mum 🙂 Hope you enjoy the 52 week challenge – I am looking forward to it immensely
Thanks Pats… wow 3 boys… I find my 1 boy enough of a energy drainer… wonder if I will have another boy or girl… 🙂
I know you are still away but I am excited for you to get home and see comments waiting for you!
Love your post and think the lessons you learned are all amazing! how sweet is your hubby to take you back to your first date place! Hubby and I met while travelling so we never even dated (went on 1 date to some old ruins in Israel and even then he romantically snuck us in as we were poor LOL!)
Thanks for your support Deb! It is exciting to think so many people have taken the time to read what I have to say…. it makes you feel really accepted.