The big lesson is: I need to stop worrying about things I cannot control. Youda thunk at my age I would have figured that out by now. But it hasn’t sunk in. Until this past year. Now that doesn’t mean I’m throwing my hands up in the air and saying eff it, I can’t control it, so why worry. Nope, 2011 taught me that while I can’t control what life throws at the ones I love, and I can’t shelter them from the pain of mistakes or tragedy, 2011 has taught me that I can survive it. I have survived it. 2011 was a very good year and a very bad year
High points: My youngest son entered the Marine Corps in April and is flourishing. I was worried about that one. He’s a hard head and has authority issues, but he’s in his glory. I could not be prouder of that boy, and so relieved he has found his bliss.
My eldest daughter and youngest son married their true loves.
My youngest daughter is pregnant with grandbaby number two.
I survived yet another one of hubby’s Achilles tendon surgeries.
I faced a couple of monsters in the closet. Ignoring them only caused me anxiety, so I just flung open the door (with the lights on!) and went at them. They weren’t so scary after all.
I had a few books release, and wrote a few more.
The very bad part of 2011 was as many of you know the death of my nephew. But even through Timothy’s death there were remarkable silver-linings. One of them was realizing just how resilient humans are. My brother amazed me. How my sil held up, I still don’t know. Through their tragedy, I came to understand just how amazing we are as a species. While we are experiencing excruciating pain, we still find ways to reach out and comfort others who are hurting too. We have the strength to do what needs to be done, because it needs to get done. We have the capacity to continue to love even though it’s terrifying.
I realized I am capable of so much more than what I am currently doing. I feel like I have been idling for too long. 2011 taught me that there is no more time to waste. I’m getting it done like there is no tomorrow. Because there might not be!
So watch out 2012, I’m going to burn a swath right up your ass!
Did anyone else get a life lesson 2011? Feel free to share.
But, before you do, please make sure you stop by MSW Monday to meet our newest murderous maven, Miz Josie Brown. Josie will be blogging every other Monday and I promise you, you will not be bored. Josie is a dear friend of mine and I could not be more excited to have her as part of our group.
Please make sure you stop by and give her a warm murderous welcome!
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I hear ya, Karin. That’s a lesson 2011 probably should’ve taught me, too (and one I’m too old not to have learned a while back.) But I’m still running my little hamster wheel of trying to control the uncontrollable.
I can’t wait to see you kick 2012′s butt. And maybe do a little butt-kicking of my own. ;o)
Here’s to kicking ass this year Beth!
I Karin,
I am learning the same lesson about letting go.
I know 2011 had some horrible low points for you and I hope your family has a better, brighter 2012. Congratulations on the new grandbaby on the way!
And I can’t wait for Monday, when we get to hear from the amazing Josie.
You’re going to love Josie!
I’m nodding my head here. Control…I can control what I write and the amount of time I write. That’s it.
A new grandbaby in 2012! Congrats
Here’s hoping 2012 rocks.
And thanks for the reminder about Josie joining our group on Monday!
Lori, why can’t we control the world???
I wish I could ignore things out of my control …
I agree, we are resilient, and we can and should do more.
Allison, I talk the talk, I really hope I can walk it this year!
karin, sugar, you’re always a reminder about resiliancy for me. i believe you when you say you are going after 2012 with fire in your belly – i’m right there with you. thanks for somehow managing to be there for the rest of us even when your own life was overflowing. don’t know how you do it.
Sophie let’s light up 2012 together!
2011 turned out to be a learning curve for me. I walked away a lot wiser, but proud of my accomplishments. One thing I’m more determined to push myself towards is goals. I’ve always allowed my family and friends to interrupt my goals, and then use the incident as a reason not succeeding. Not anymore. I’ve learned to say no, a lot easier, and set my goals and stick to them with no excuses. 2012 is going to be a good year, and one where my goals will be reached.
Lee what an epiphany! You have talent woman, go kick 2012′s ass!
I have high hopes for 2012 because 2011 was not the best year in the world.
Cheers to a new year!!!!
Cheers, Cheers, and more Cheers, Quilt Lady!
2011 was a huge year for me. Filled with MAJOR heartbreak, but WONDERFUL blessings as well. I have experienced so much of God’s grace and mercy, but I’ve always had a hard time understanding how His justice could fit in there as well. Well, last year He showed me that He is merciful, gracious, and just – and those things are not mutually exclusive. For me, it was HUGE.
I’m excited to move on and see what 2012 will bring.
BUT we really need to talk, dear – its been too long ;0)
Bonnie, you are amazing!! I’m calling you tomorrow afterneeon!!!
xo
lol should be afternoon. hey it’s late.
Thanks, Karin, for your from-the-heart post. I can SO relate to all you have to say–especially the part about things being out of our control, and how we should just focus on the stuff that we can control: our plots, our characters, and the joy we take in our writing.
And thank you for the shoutout, too! I’ll do my best to keep the crowds entertained! It’s a high bar, considering all the wonderful women on this blog. I’m proud to be among them!
We’re so proud and excited to have you join us, Jos!!!!
Wow, Karin, you are an inspiring GODDESS! I, too, am planning to do BIG things in 2012!
Deb, you know you are my inspiration, don’t you? Heroine that you are!
Welcome Josie Brown!
No, no great apocalypse moment for me yet. I’m still going on every day the same as always and wishing I could retire.
Diane, if I were doing anything else but what I’m doing, I’d be counting the days to retirement too!
Did I ever get some life lessons in 2011! And very few of them were anything close to pleasant – most were painful and heartbreaking. But through the pain and tears, I discovered strength, courage, and the love and support of many.
In scrolling through my bookmarks, I noticed that the MSW blog is really the only one I read every day. I may not get to it until very late at night and I may not always post a commnet, but I do read it and have learned so much – about writing, reading, and just plain living. Thank you to a great group of authors and their readers!
Hope I’m reaching through the internet and giving you a big fat hug!
The years fly by faster & faster. I need to make the most of my time.
Ament to that, Mary!
Thanks Karin for great words. Looking forward to seeing Josie here too.
With one e-published book and one self-published book out in 2011 I learned I can write a hell of a lot more than I do. 2012 is the year of the nose to the grindstone. Writers write!!
Write on, Jill!!!
You go Karin!! Burn, baby, burn!!!